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Banksy mural accidentally sold for $175

By Aileen Graef
"Bomb Damage" by Banksy. Image: Banksy.co.uk
"Bomb Damage" by Banksy. Image: Banksy.co.uk

GAZA, April 1 (UPI) -- A man in Gaza said he was "tricked" into selling a priceless mural by internationally renowned artist Banksy for $175.

The mural was painted anonymously by the artist on the door left standing of a house destroyed by a bombing. The work titled "Bomb Damage" shows the Greek goddess Niobe mourning. In classical mythology, Niobe is most often associated with the bereaved mother mourning the loss of her children.

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Rabie Darduna, the door's owner, was approached by local artist Belal Khaled who said he was purchasing the painted doorsto put in a museum in Gaza.

"Then someone called Belal Khaled called me on the phone. He said 'we've painted seven paintings on seven doors and I bought all the doors except for yours and I paid 500 shekels for each.' At first I refused to sell it as I thought the door was worth more as it is heavy metal and I asked for 1,000 shekels. Finally we agreed on 700 shekels [about $175]"

Darduna said Khaled insisted and made him sign a document saying he agreed to the price. Khaled said he was hesitant but needed the money.

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Banksy murals have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

"I did not know that it was this valuable. I heard it can be sold for millions. Now I want the door back," he said.

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