A steel dervish crutch, a red woollen cap and a dervish cotton cap, India, 19th- 20th century

the crutch with a cylindrical shaft with broad flattened base, engraved with a spiralling band of leaves, the faceted handle and collar of serpentine form with animal-head terminal; the red woollen cap of quatrefoil shape with a tassel finial, lined in red silk; the cotton dervish cap in pale brown tone, stitched with padded bands

the crutch in good condition, pitting and patination, the caps with minor wear, as viewed
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The short dervish staff was designed to be lent upon whilst kneeling or reclining. The version with the animal-form terminal is typical of the Subcontinent. An Indian miniature in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (inv. no.09.227.4) depicts a gathering of Sufis in various positions of repose leaning on crutches related to the present example.

Conical hats were adopted as emblematic headgear by Sufis across large parts of the Islamic world. A related example from Iran is in the collection of the Aga Khan Museum (London 2007, p.67, no.41). Another from Iran was in the collection of Henri Moser Charlottenfels and is now in the Bernischen Historischen Museum. This cap is published by Balsinger and Kläy alongside photographs of 1889/90 of Sufis both from Khiva and Samarkand wearing related caps (Balsinger and Kläy 1992, p.117).