A Scottish Gentleman’s Collection of African & Middle Eastern Antiquities
A Scottish Gentleman’s Collection of African & Middle Eastern Antiquities features an outstanding and eclectic collection acquired over many years whilst working internationally – including years spent serving Nelson Mandela in government – and travelling the globe. Below, our vendor shares some background to this fascinating collection that also features Asian and European antiques, books and collectables.
Discovering Africa through Work and Travel
My interest in Africa and the Middle East goes back to my childhood as our family were expats across continents, travelling the world due to my father’s job. It was something my forefathers also did, it’s in our blood and family tree! Today, I consider myself a well-travelled tribal art collector, so I’ll share a little insight into the eclectic collection of items in this auction.
From childhood, it continued at boarding school, with two of my best friends from Africa and the Middle East. Then followed a serendipitous meeting in London with a Catholic missionary priest from Tanzania, which set me on course to move to South Africa. This interest in the cultures of these regions was later fuelled by Wilbur Smith novels, my extensive travels and an early career in journalism. Plus, with an uncle who is an acclaimed historian, I have always had a fascination with history and culture. Our family’s history of exploring is reflected in our family crest illustrated with a 17th/18th century ship.
I began travelling to Africa in my early 20’s. In 1994 I emigrated to South Africa to be part of the birth of their new nation, which led me to work in the inner circles of their government. I had the honour and privilege to serve President Mandela, his cabinet and various Government departments.
I worked and travelled through Africa for over a decade – to countries including Botswana, DRC, Egypt, Gambia, Kenya, Morrocco Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Along the way, I started collecting African artefacts, buying direct from locals in villages as well as from shops and dealers. Thanks to the people I met and worked with, including heads of state, tribal elders and leaders, charities and NGOs I assisted in the region, corporate clients and celebrities, I was able to explore extensively.
A Fascination with the Middle East
Whilst undoubtedly influenced by viewing Islamic influences in Africa, my interest in the Middle East was ignited by a close friend of my fathers from Lebanon. As a young child he regaled me with stories of Islamic feats and conquests which led me to first read and then study the culture. Subsequently I was lucky enough to be able to travel to the Middle East for work, most notably during the first Gulf War and just prior to the second Gulf War.
I was fortunate to visit the historic Citadel of Aleppo (which sadly no longer exists), an archaeological site in Syria and the basalt black rock Roman amphitheatre in Bosra. I toured historic ruins and archaeological sites in remote areas including the UNESCO heritage site of Palmyra in the Syrian desert, Hakkari close to the border of Iraq, and the Ishak Pasha Palace in Dogubayazit in Eastern Turkey. I brought artefacts direct from the source, be it the local souk, dealer or wholesaler.
Pictured: An Indo-Persian Dhal Shield, Mughal Period, 17th/8th Century
A New Passion for Asia
Since moving to Australia, I have expanded my travels and cultural interests to Asia. Whilst working for a period in Malaysia, I discovered the ancient trading routes between Africa, Middle East and Asia, the evidence of which can be seen through the artefacts found in the area.
Once in Australia to raise my daughters – and hold a more traditional and steady job! – I continued to buy artefacts from across the globe through auctions and occasional travels. I opened antique shops for a while where I sold my finds, and now have such an extensive collection that I have decided to share it at auction.
I hope you find something of interest and that you can welcome an item from this sale into your own collections and homes so that each piece’s story may continue to live, breath and tell their tale. Happy bidding!
Pictured: An Antique Chinese Three Tier Bamboo Wedding Dowry Basket, Late 19th Century
A Sumatran Sword, Toba Batak, with Carved Horn Pomme depicting Tiger's Head, 17th Century
A Scottish Gentleman’s Collection of African & Middle Eastern Antiquities
Auction Wednesday 9 October | 6pm
Contact: Amelia Scott
Viewings: Collection on display in our Parramatta Road Rooms during office hours
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