The Living Legacy of Ousbi: A Master Sculptor from Guinea Conakry

Located in the heart of West Africa, Guinea Conakry boasts a rich culture steeped in history. One of its most devoted artists is my grandfather, Ousbi. He is a master sculptor who has spent his entire life turning blocks of wood into profound stories that capture the spirit of our nation and the pulse of its people.

Ousbi's recent work, a life-sized sculpture of a hunter, is a testament to the profound connection our people share with the earth and the roles we play within it. This isn't just an expression of art; it's a manifestation of our cultural narrative. The hunter, depicted returning from the wilderness with the fruits of his labor, symbolizes the revered role of a provider—an individual upon whom the family’s sustenance and survival rest.

Alive and still creating, Ousbi is celebrated as the finest sculptor in Guinea Conakry. Each of his creations goes beyond the realm of art; they are the chronicles of our existence. His sculptures, like the hunter, are not mere representations; they are the embodiment of our ancestors' spirits, the respect for the duty of care, and the deep-seated values that sustain our families.

Ousbi's philosophy is rooted in the belief that art is a vessel for history, a means to ensure that the stories of our ancestors and the ethos of our land persist through time. The hunter, poised with dignity and emanating a sense of responsibility, stands as a tangible narrative, linking us to the land and to the lineage of the people who have shaped our identity.

Through his sculptures, Ousbi’s legacy is continuously woven into the present, securing a place for our history and traditions in the hearts of future generations. The hunter is more than a wooden figure; it is a keeper of tales, a silent sentinel of our heritage. As long as Ousbi continues to sculpt, the stories of our people are never forgotten—they are etched in wood, displayed in homes, and carried in the hearts of those who know the value of our culture.

This essay celebrates the living art of my grandfather Ousbi, a testament to the rich, enduring legacy that continues to inspire and define Guinea Conakry. Through his hands, the past is cradled, the present is beautified, and the future is promised the wisdom of yesteryears, ensuring that our cultural heritage remains as tangible and touching as the sculptures he creates.