1979, and subsequently became an important consultant to him on the volatile situation in Zaire and Angola, where civil war had erupted and where Cuba had stationed 30,000 soldiers. Had it not been for his tragic illness, Peter would still be a central figure in the tribal art world today, thanks to his experience, his contacts, and his immense knowledge of the field. He leaves us with vivid memories of his charisma, his special sense of humor, and his remarkable expertise. Petra and Stephan Herkenhoff 145 Ralph Nash Ralph had one of the best eyes for art and was one of the most interesting conversationalists I have ever had the good fortune to meet. While many major works of African art passed through his hands, he was primarily a collector rather than a dealer. In my many visits to his home in London and later to his home in Berlin, I was always fascinated by his in-depth discussions of his latest interests, ranging from the art of the early Renaissance to that of Africa and modern Italy. Ralph was born in Germany in 1928 and moved with his father, mother, and brother to Cape Town, South Africa, in 1934. He had a chance to view African art collections there when he was only ten or twelve and developed a lifelong fascination with this material. After his education, he became a well-known fashion designer specializing in women’s shoes. The South African firm he worked for sent him to Europe and New York several times a year, where he could engage in his interest in African art as well and carry out his work in the fashion industry. By 1961 he had became so disenchanted with the South African political situation that he moved to London and became a fashion consultant for companies such as Lord & Taylor and Sachs Fifth Avenue. He also established close relationships with major African art dealers and collectors in Europe and New York, and he began to provide material for many New York dealers, John Klejman in particular. I met him in 1970, when he was ensconced with his collection in a marvelous home in Bryanston Square. I bought several nice pieces of Lega art from him, but, as it turned out, I had already bought more pieces indirectly from him—ones that had passed through his hands—from dealers including John Klejman, Aaron Furman, and Mert Simpson. Ralph’s mother was at this time living in Los Angeles, just a few miles from my home, and, in addition to visiting him often in London, I had a chance to see him several times over the next decade when he came to Los Angeles to visit her. I treasure the many conversations I had with him and was amazed by his vast circle of friends and his anecdotes of the interesting way he was conducting his life. In the 1980s, with the changing African art scene, he became less interested in collecting it and disposed of most of his collection, focusing more on modern European painting. He moved to the French Rivieria, then to Hamburg, and then finally to Berlin, where he spent the final decades of his life until his death at the end of 2014 with his partner, the German novelist Joachim Helfer. Jay T. Last short-lived however, since Peter’s many activities left him too little time to devote to it. Those who accompanied him on his travels at the time describe him as a very dynamic person, with an interest in everything. He was also an excellent golfer and tennis player. When we met Peter in 2008, he was already suffering from a neurological disorder. He visited us several times in Osnabrück, and we thoroughly enjoyed his fascinating accounts. If he had written his memoirs, they would have made a very thick book indeed. His many travels and contacts in Africa had also given him a thorough knowledge of political relations, and he had become a sought-after spokesperson and advisor. He was, for example, invited to the White House by President Carter on November 15, IN TRIBUTE
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