Banksy's famous mural on war debris sold for $175

Unaware of its value, Gaza man says he was tricked into selling the mural painted on a door

April 01, 2015 12:59 pm | Updated November 17, 2021 11:09 am IST - GAZA CITY

A metal door that depicted a Greek goddess, presumably painted by British street graffiti artist Banksy.

A metal door that depicted a Greek goddess, presumably painted by British street graffiti artist Banksy.

A 33-year-old man from Gaza says he has been duped into selling a valuable work by British graffiti artist Banksy for less than $200.

Banksy, the popular street artist, is believed to have sneaked into Gaza in February, leaving behind four murals. One depicted the Greek goddess Niobe and was drawn on a door, the last remnant of a two-story house belonging to the Dardouna family in northern Gaza.

Unaware of its value, Rabie Dardouna said on Tuesday, he was tricked into selling the door to an eager local artist for just 700 shekels, or about $175. He now wants the door back. The artist, who bought the door, Belal Khaled, says he did not mean to trick anyone. He says he just wants to protect the painting and has no intention of profiting.

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