Ancient Art, Antiquities, Books, Natural History & Coins

Flat-section shaft with three tiered cross-bars, the two lowest each with five lamp-bowls to the forward face; above, a U-shaped bar with a lamp bowl at each upper end; top of the shaft developing to an anthropomorphic torso with ellipsoid head and two narrow arms raised vertically; chain around the neck with hand-forged extinguishing spoon; mounted on a square base. 6.25 kg total, 132 cm including stand



From the private collection of Dr Hans-Joachim Koloss, Berlin, Germany, 1975-2002. Gorny & Mosch, Munich, Germany, auction 279, no.410. Accompanied by a copy of the Gorny & Mosch invoice and illustrated catalogue listing. Accompanied by a copy of the German cultural export licence.

The figure is probably a Nommo, a primordial ancestral spirit in Dogon cosmogony. A Nommo is usually considered to be amphibious, hermaphroditic and fish-like. They are typically depicted in Dogon art with a humanoid upper torso, and a fish-like lower torso and tail.

Made from a white-and-brown goat skin with a rope closure. 573 grams, 85 cm



Collected in 2002 from Natal, South Africa. Ex Ian Knight collection, the world's leading author on Zulu history and culture. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985.

Woven from Ncema grass with domed brass buttons, and colourful beads arranged in the 'isiphalafini' pattern. 475 grams total, belt: 171 cm long



Collected September 2003 in the mountains west of Pomeroy, in the Msinga district of Zululand. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985.

Fringed beadwork necklace composed of vibrantly coloured beads, with a loop closure. 69 grams total, necklace: 60 cm long



Collected in Zululand in 2002. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985.

A woven, thick belt decorated with an intricate polychrome beadwork. 213 grams, 80 cm long



Collected near Rorke's Drift, South Africa, in 2001. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985.

Comprising six ribbed annular bracelets. 255 grams total, 78-85 mm



Collected from homesteads in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa, 2000-2005. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985.

Matched pair of gauntlet-type bands with red-painted button closures, formed of ribbed metal sleeves forming a triangular pattern at the centre. 503 grams total, arm bands: 12.9-14 cm



Collected to the south of Sighubudu mountain, 25 kms south of Islandlwana. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985.

Rectangular wooden frame with a glass mirror on one side and the reverse carved with geometric motifs, a handle above. 340 grams, 20.3 cm wide



Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985.

A fabric apron decorated with blue, black, red and white beads, and round metal buttons, with a beaded rope closure; some of the beadwork has come undone. 1.95 kg total, 108 cm long



Collected October 2003 near Ilenge mountain in the Msinga district of Zululand. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985.

Trapezoidal in plan with transverse head, straight cutting edge. 269 grams, 13 cm



From the collection of a Hampshire, UK, gentleman, established from the 1960s.

Hollow-formed figure in sitting pose with stub legs and shallow bowl on the lap; broad shoulders and bowed arms, elongated head with lentoid eyes and large ears pierced at the lower edge to accept rings; conical upper head developing to a spout; traces of pigment. 1.71 kg, 27 cm high



Previously in the private collection of Leo (1922-1979), and Evelyn D. Farland (1930-2025), New York; thence by descent.

Hollow-formed vessel with tripod, ellipsoid in plan with wide-brimmed hat and mantle to the shoulders; stubby hands presenting a studded mace; painted vertical stripe detailing to the mantle, pointillé necklace, broad stripes to the headgear. 242 grams, 16 cm



Previously in the private collection of Leo (1922–1979), and Evelyn D. Farland (1930–2025), New York; thence by descent.