Thomas Wheelock
Material Culture is honored to announce the sale of The Thomas Wheelock Collection of African Art, set to take place on October 28, 2024. This remarkable collection, assembled over decades, stands as the largest private gathering of Burkina Faso art in the world. It has been immortalized in the rare and influential book, “Land of the Flying Masks: Art and Culture in Burkina Faso; The Thomas G.B. Wheelock Collection,” which showcases hundreds of coveted pieces. These include works from the Nuna, Bwa, Bobo, and Mossi peoples, alongside notable objects from the Lobi, Gurunsi, Winiama, and Lela communities. For the first time, these artifacts will be offered for auction, presenting a unique opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike. The collection is a comprehensive display of tribal artistry, featuring an array of cultural objects such as rare masks, shrine posts, staffs, figures, scepters, dance costumes, flutes, stools, and more. Each piece offers a window into the rich cultural heritage of Burkina Faso, representing a vivid history of artistic expression.
A public exhibition will be held from October 25 to 27, the weekend preceding the sale, with a special catered event and a guest speaker on Sunday, October 27. Amyas Naegele, a close colleague of Thomas Wheelock, will deliver a talk honoring the legacy of his late friend and mentor. Naegele, who first met Wheelock in the early 1990s, remained a trusted confidant and base maker until Wheelock’s untimely passing in 2017. In the years following, Naegele played an integral role in re-cataloging the Wheelock estate, meticulously handling each object included in this sale. During his talk, he will explore Wheelock’s life and collecting journey, the significance of the art and culture of Burkina Faso, and share insights into the personalities that shaped Wheelock’s remarkable circle, including key African figures who contributed to his collection. The event will conclude with a Q&A session, providing attendees with a chance to engage further with Naegele and learn more about the collection and its context.
About Thomas Wheelock: Thomas G.B. Wheelock was a renowned collector and connoisseur of African art, particularly that of Burkina Faso. His dedication to preserving and celebrating the artistic traditions of the region was unrivaled, culminating in a collection that not only captured the cultural essence of Burkina Faso but also brought it into global recognition. His passion for art extended beyond mere acquisition; Wheelock deeply valued the relationships he formed with local artists and communities, often traveling to Africa to engage with them directly. His collection serves as a lasting tribute to his life’s work and his enduring fascination with the art, culture, and people of Burkina Faso.