Nigeria Remembers Master Wood Carver
Renowned Nigerian master wood carver Kasali Akangbe Ogun has been laid to rest following his passing last week due to a brief illness. Hailing from a prominent lineage of wood carvers within the Yoruba community, he skillfully elevated traditional craftsmanship from his birthplace in Osogbo to the international art scene.
A Legacy in Wood Carving
Kasali Akangbe Ogun was celebrated for his unique artistic style, characterized by lean, elongated faces and dynamic, flowing forms, as noted by Nigerian art patron Olufemi Akinsanya. He was a pivotal figure in the New Sacred Art Movement, established in the 1960s by the late Austrian-Nigerian artist and Yoruba priestess, Susanne Wenger. This initiative aimed to protect the 75-hectare Osun Forest and its sacred river.
– Cultural Significance: The Osun Grove, where his works can be seen, gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 2005 due to its cultural importance in Yoruba cosmology, serving as the abode of the goddess of fertility, Osun.
– Protecting Nature: We will continue to plant trees because heritage must not be left naked, Akangbe Ogun passionately told me during a visit in 2020.
The Intersection of Art and Spirituality
Under the guidance of Wenger, Akangbe Ogun found his true calling in wood carving. She recognized the uniqueness of his work and encouraged him to embrace his artistic identity. As Wenger noted in 1990, Akangbe, bodily and spiritually voluminous, creates works of ethereal and sublimely weightless loftiness.
– Cultural Festivals: Akangbe Ogun actively participated in safeguarding the Osun Forest, famously confronting those attempting to fish in the sacred River Osun. The river is central to the annual Osun Osogbo Festival, a major tourism event that draws thousands of devotees and admirers.
– Education and Influence: Historian Siyan Oyeweso emphasized Osogbo’s vital role in nurturing artistic talent, stating, Those who sacrificed their lives and energy contributed immensely to Osun Osogbo and Nigeria.
Exhibitions and Recognition
Although his birth year remains uncertain, it is believed Kasali Akangbe Ogun was born around 1945 into the Arelagbayi lineage. From a young age, he faced challenges—his father’s death curtailed his formal education, but he eventually honed his skills in carpentry.
– Exhibited Globally: His work has been displayed at various prestigious locations, including:
– Iwalewa Haus, Bayreuth, Germany (1989)
– Africa Centre, London (1990)
– Edinburgh Fringe (1994)
– Quintessence, Lagos (2009)
– Cultural Impact: Akangbe Ogun was also featured as the Distinguished Africana Artist-in-Residence at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2013.
A Simple Life Dedicated to Heritage
Despite his fame, Kasali Akangbe Ogun chose to live simply among the people of Osogbo. He aimed to preserve the traditional Yoruba setting as a learning environment for future generations.
– Family Legacy: Reflecting on his career in 2020, he expressed, What pleases me the most is that my children have learned the wood carving art; they have inherited the legacy.
His artistic influence extended across borders, inspiring many. Wayne Barrow, manager of the iconic rapper The Notorious B.I.G., recognized Akangbe Ogun’s impact, highlighting his strength and the legacy he etched in wood.
Conclusion: Connecting Past, Present, and Future
Kasali Akangbe Ogun once said, I am a dot, just a dot, connecting the past to the present, and the future. His contributions to wood carving and the preservation of Yoruba culture will resonate for generations, ensuring that his artistic legacy lives on in the hearts of many.