The Damama Collection Auction | Sun Mar 7 | 10:00 am

The Damamas brought their keen eye, singular style, and personal warmth to the world of Mid-Century Modern collecting. A constant presence at Modern design shows and flea markets on both coasts for decades, you could not miss the Damamas, affectionately known as Damama and Dapapa, in their matching Sikh whites and turbans as they hunted for the most interesting and unique pieces. Hughes Auctions honors their love of art and design and is thrilled to present The Damama Collection Auction comprised of nearly 600 lots of art and collectibles from their estate.

Auction Date: March 7, 2021 10:00 am Pacific Time

ONLINE BIDDING ONLY Please register and bid for this auction here.

SIGN UP Sign up here with Hughes Auctions to receive updates on auctions and notifications when the auction is live!

Dharam Damama Kaur Khalsa (born Elizabeth Simon, 1946-2020) and Dharam Damama Singh Khalsa (born William Morris, 1942-2016) joined the Guru Ram Das Ashram in the late 60’s. Dharam Damama-Kaur Khalsa (Damama) grew up in Beverly Hills in a stunning Mid-Century Paul Williams house and Dharam Damama-Singh Khalsa (Dapapa) grew up in the Philadelphia area. They lived in an apartment on Preuss Road in Los Angeles near the Guru Ram Das Ashram for almost 46 years. They typically spent the summer months in Philadelphia, doing Brimfield and other legendary East Coast flea markets. Winters were spent in California doing the circuit of flea markets every weekend. They drove both ways towing a small trailer for merchandise behind them, accompanied by a string of large white Pyrenees dogs.

In addition to dealing in Mid-Century art and design, they designed and sold their own jewelry for over 15 years, creating many custom pieces for Yogi Bhajan and other Sikh leaders. Dapapa was also an artist – a selection of his paintings are offered in this auction.

I always enjoyed going to flea markets back in the 60s because I could go and search for some weird and unusual item, and eventually over time we bought and collected so many items that we were able to set up a tent of our own and it’s been that way ever since. When I look back at all of the different items I’ve collected over the years, I think it really is an accurate representation of myself and everything I believe in.

– Dharam Damama-Singh Khalsa