BBC's Antiques Roadshow has been branded "a bit precious" after a episode saw an expert decline to give a valuation to one of the guest’s items because of its connections with the slave trade.
Explaining its history in a voiceover, Fiona said: "The item was a disc that acted as an endorsement of the professional reputation of an African slave trader in the West African port of Bonny in the 18th century.’
Expert Ronnie told the guest: "I want to make it absolutely clear that myself and we and the Antiques Roadshow wholly and unequivocally disapprove of the trade in ivory.
"But this ivory bangle here is not about trading in ivory, it’s about trading in human life, and it’s probably one of the most difficult things that I’ve ever had to talk about."
He then stressed "but talk about it we must."
The expert refuses to value the item
BBC
The expert explained that the item is "amazing" despite its "callous" background. The guest "had no idea what it was" but just thought it "looked interesting."
"What made you keep it for 30-odd years?" Archer-Morgan asked to which the guest replied: "There was something about it.
"Now I'm researching it. It said traders... I thought it meant trading in coffee or spices but actually, I realised they were trading in people."
When it came to the valuation, Ronnie stated: "I just don’t want to value it.
"I do not want to put a price on something that signifies such an awful business."
Speaking about the moment on GB News Simon Evans said: "I can't help thinking they must encounter quite a few objects over the course of the last 30 years or so of of Antiques Roadshow, which have some kind of connection with dark practices of one kind or another.
Comedians discussed the shocking moment on GB News
GB News
"It is highly likely they have seen murder weapons or classic novels belonging to people who had made their money in that field.
He added: "What do you think? It does feel a little bit precious."
Cressida Wetton said: "Well, it's provoked a conversation, which is I'm always saying, put a plaque on it and talk about what it is rather than hide it away."
Simon added: "It was connected with slavery, and it was engraved on ivory. And emphasized that Antiques Roadshow find that abhorrent. Well of course.
"The woman paid £3 for it at some kind of market stall or something. It's not as if it's been passed down to her through her ancestors,"
The guest took appeared to take the verdict in good spirit as she vowed to carry on researching the hugely unique find.
