The 312 lots to be sold are from the substantial personal collection of retired African art dealer Colin Sayers, who closed his central Cape Town gallery The Collector in 2012, and they represent artisanal work from South Africa to Morocco.
What gives these art pieces their value, and differentiates them from curios? "Curios are just that: they are 'curiosities' made specifically as souvenirs," said Anton Welz, director of Stephan Welz & Co.
"The majority of the artworks in this auction were field-collected directly from the local [people] themselves, whether here in sub-Saharan Africa, or less accessible countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo or Angola. They are functional items that were used in everyday life and celebrations, making them artistic reflections of African cultural heritage," said Welz.
WHERE The Great Cellar, Alphen Estate, Alphen Drive, Constantia.
WHEN February 25 and February 26
INFO For more information contact 021 794 6461 or email [email protected]. The auction catalogue can be viewed at Stephanwelzandco.co.za