The Horstmann Collection of Southern African Art

The Johannesburg Art Gallery is privileged to have obtained from Mr. Udo Horstmann, P.O.S., a collection 93 items which at the time, was said to be his Southern African art collection. However, the gallery later learned that this was not the case. Horstmann withheld many Southern African masterpieces simply by failing to mention them. Of note were a number of complicated wooden vessels he owned, directly related to the example shown on the cover of Art and Ambiguity.

Interestingly, the "Horstmann Collection"  contained a single example, it lacking a lid. (cat 22)

Twenty six of the items were paid for by the Anglo American Johannesburg Trust, while the balance of 67 objects were donated. The donation is laughable, in that the donation was dependant on the sale. The reasons for the  so called donation are numerous. Firstly, it enabled Horstmann to dispose of  a clutter of marginal snuff bottles, bits of ordinary beadwork and mediocre or out of context sticks. It also created a smoke screen if you may, which facilitated the repatriation of a hut finial found in the area of the Lovedu "Rain Queen", which he had earlier spirited out of the country. (cat 88) At the same time and unbeknown to his long time friend Hannes Harrs, a number of Ndebele aprons were included in the donation, which Hannes had repeatedly failed to recover.  Apparently Horstmann felt ownership had transferred, Horstmann having invited Hannes to stay with him a number of times in Zug. wow! Perhaps the forfeiture of the aprons was a Horstmann way of recouping the cost of bread and butter associated with Hannes stay.

Another betrayal connected to the donation took place with the inclusion of catalogue numbers 89 and 92 . Both are fabrications which Horstmann insisted be accepted as part of the gift, apparently for no other reason then they would then find themselves published by an important gallery.  It is no secret there were others made.

So you ask why we wish to sell the book ? Ha!

Jokes aside, there are indeed a number of items in the catalogue worthy of note. Three spectacular neck rests now exceed the value paid for the collection. Two figures on the cover easily double that figure and a Bechwana dagger is probably the finest example known.

In retrospect, dealer, collector, expert extraordinaire Horstmann P.O.S., probably kicks himself for what he once perceived as cunningness.