Adekunle Akangbe Ogun
Adekunle A. Akangbe is a permanent resident of the United States but hails from Osogbo Osun State, Nigeria. His family lineage is deeply rooted in a rich cultural heritage of indigenous Artisans, and he himself is spiritually connected to the Ifa/Orishá practice of the Yoruba nation in West Africa.
Growing up under the tutelage of his talented father, Master Wood Carver Kasali Akangbe, Adekunle was introduced to the art of Woodcarving. This skill eventually became the foundation of his contemporary style of traditional artworks that have found immense popularity across the globe.
Adekunle's journey as an artist and craftsman has been nothing short of remarkable. He had the privilege of contributing to the architectural design and cultural landscaping of the Osun Osogbo Grove, a cherished World Heritage site. Through his exceptional craftsmanship, Adekunle showcased his talent as a distinguished young artisan, leaving an indelible mark on this prestigious location.
The artwork created by Adekunle and his family embodies their unique artistic trademark. These distinctive pieces reflect the spiritual worldviews and expressions of their tribal clan. The artworks serve as representations of the various totems encompassing the Yoruba spiritual pantheon, which holds significant importance in the family's cultural ties to the Diaspora.
Adekunle's commitment to his craft and his ability to merge tradition with contemporary styles have earned him recognition and appreciation worldwide. His exceptional wood carvings not only celebrate his heritage but also serve as a bridge between cultures, bringing the vibrant spirit of the Yoruba people to the forefront of international art.
As a permanent resident of the United States, Adekunle continues to honor his Nigerian roots through his art, preserving the essence of his cultural heritage for generations to come. His work not only inspires and captivates audiences but also fosters a greater understanding and appreciation for the artistic traditions of the Yoruba nation.
Our History
Kasali Akangbe Ogun comes from a long line of Yoruba woodcarvers in the Osogbo area of Osun State, Nigeria. In the Yoruba culture, he is called Arelagbayi, which is similar to a guild or group of ancestral woodcarvers. This is handed down from family member to family member, with each son or daughter learning their craft from the hands and mouths of their revered parents and ancestors in the spiritual realms. His Yoruba ancestors have walked for centuries in the forests of Osogbo in Osun State, Nigeria, searching for the wood which speaks to them, that will become a religious object for use in their traditions and rituals. Every city has its King (Alaiyeluwa, Oba, Kabiyesi ) and traditionally every King has his own sculptors, metalworkers, beaders etc., to produce and furnish objects for his needs and for the needs of his court. You are cordially invited to explore the picture galleries which exhibits such works.
Osogbo is a Yoruba town that was founded by a hunter, Larooye and later joined by farmer, Timanhin. With the help and blessing of Osun, the double-figure grew up in a speedy count to be millions now. People of Osogbo are predominantly farmer and Adire maker. Osogbo is a town that has produced many international artists. The art of tie and die (Adire) is an occupation that the people of Osogbo inculcate from Osun herself. Osogbo is unique and known for the quietness and peaceful atmosphere that had made numbers of people to continue to relocate to Osogbo. The name Osogbo came from an incident that happened at the early age of evolution of the town. One day, somebody fell a big tree in the sacred grove and the tree fell over the river Osun, not quite a minute that this happened when the loud noise of "oso igbo e ti fo koko aro mi o o o' was coming from the deep down of the river.
Oso = wizard, igbo =Forest e = you, ti fo = have broken, ikoko aro = dye pot mi = me
The shouting from the Osun river was so strong that it was it vibrating in the head of the people for many days that whenever the people want to describe their settlement to other people, they will say, I'm from the settlement of baba Oso Igbo.(wizard of the forest).As the time went on, the name was shortened for easy pronunciation to what is now called Osogbo. The pilgrimage to Osogbo is also undertaken by the people in the Diaspora whose families cherish the tradition but did not have the opportunity to experience it fully out of their spiritual home. The pilgrimage has become a new tradition and it's extremely authentic in the sense that it is a highly spiritual and fulfilling experience for those who attend the annual event. The new pilgrimage has broadened the scope of the Osun-Osogbo festival but has not changed its character and aim. The festival remains first and foremost the tradition of Osogbo community. The rituals that they undertake have not changed. Therefore, the Osun-Osogbo festival remains fully authentic.
We cannot talk of Osogbo without talking about Osun grove. also speaking of Osun grove of today without the mentioning of that Late Austrian woman and her sacred Artists member that make it possible with their works of structural arts and designs for UNECO to see Osun grove and put it on the map of world heritage site. Adunni Olorisa as she was called in her days proofed and showed the world that we can be different in color of our skin but we are still one and the same human being when she left her country to come to Nigeria to live and died here. She used her talent to recreate and beautify Osun grove, she also helped many natives to know their call in life by giving them support and care to live their dream.