A remarkable collection of lost African art will be up for auction at Hanson Ross this week, thanks to the dedication of a jeweller who preserved these unique creations.
The collection, to be sold at The Woburn Hotel, was saved from the workshops of a prominent Makonde art sponsor when Indian populations left Tanzania in the 1970s due to the upheaval caused by Idi Amin’s policies in neighbouring Uganda. Faringdon jeweller Nizar Peera has been the custodian of the collection since relocating to the UK from Tanzania in 1971.
In the 1950s, Nizar’s late uncle, Mohamed Peera, an art and curio dealer in Dar Es Salaam, noticed that his night watchman, a member of the Makonde tribe from Mozambique, was carving wooden works during his night shift. Mohamed recognised the unique style of the pieces and saw their potential, investing in a workshop in 1953 to allow the security guard and other Makonde artists to create and produce carvings for sale in his shop. This investment marked the beginning of what would become a global phenomenon, with carvings such as dance masks and Shetani sculptures becoming highly sought after by African art collectors. At its height, the workshop employed 200 carvers and exhibited pieces across Europe and New York.
As a young man, Nizar saw an opportunity to combine the creativity of the Makonde artists with his own jewellery expertise. Nizar explained, “Everybody was working with ebony, but we realised there was increasing competition, so we decided to try something different – silver. I was interested in jewellery, so I suggested to my uncle that we explore it. We had to find an artist willing to experiment with silver, and we brought in goldsmiths to help, as they were familiar with metals but not silver.”
Unfortunately, political and social upheaval forced the Peera family to leave Tanzania in the 1970s. Following this, Nizar qualified as a jeweller in Hatton Garden and went on to build his own successful jewellery business, which he plans to retire from this year. With his retirement imminent, Nizar has decided to auction the collection, hoping it will find new homes with those who appreciate unique jewellery and African art. “These pieces are one-of-a-kind,” Nizar remarked. “You won’t find anything like them anywhere else. I’ve never seen another collection quite like this.”
Melissa Lee-Patrick, Head of Jewellery, Silver, and Watches at Hanson Ross, commented: “This collection is a time capsule capturing the promise of a collaboration between Makonde artists and a young jeweller. While circumstances prevented this unique partnership from fully blossoming, these limited pieces are an important part of history. We’re honoured to work with Mr Peera to find new owners for these exceptional works of art.”
The items, which will be auctioned at Hanson Ross Auctioneers in Woburn, Bedfordshire, on March 15, include four silver bangles, a pair of gilded silver cufflinks, three carved silver pendants, eight pairs of silver rings, four ebony pendants, two meerschaum pipes, and an ashtray carved from Tanzanian stone.
Auction Information
Auction: Woburn March Jewellery, Fine Art and Collectables Auction
Auction date: 15th March 2025 | 9.30am
Location: The Woburn
Auction contact: [email protected]
Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com
