Chief Rabiu Abesu - A Gifted Sculptor in Wood

Rabiu was born in 1940 into a family of gbẹ́nagbẹ́na - carvers of sacred objects. However, the trade had halted due to the decline of the Yorùbá traditional religion. So the young Rabiu became a farmer and carpenter. 

He joined Susanne Wenger in 1960 as a carpenter but was soon encouraged to use his creativity.  'I started woodcarving when Susanne Wenger told me that I had the ability to become an artist in woodcarving.' 

'Rabiu draws on his deep cultural heritage but portrays the deities in a dramatic, modern form'. (Susanne Wenger)

''My inspiration comes to me as a gift from God. The gift is my two inner eyes which always reveal to me what to carve.'  (Rabiu Abesu)

His works adorn many shrines throughout the sacred groves.

'I try to show their characters, behavioural patterns and messages'.

'I do my original carved work for future posterity and the advancement of traditional culture'.

Rabiu tends to portray the deities with large drooping jowls.

His legacy will live on in the Sacred Ọ̀ṣun Òṣogbo Groves and hopefully inspire a future generation to appreciate Yorùbá traditions and New Sacred Art.