A monumental bronze sculpture, standing at 5.75 meters tall and weighing nearly 3 tons, has been unveiled at the SIAO 2026 event in Burkina Faso. The sculpture, titled "Oba," is the work of Burkinabè artist Salfo Dermé, a sculptor and bronze worker from Koudougou. Dermé spent 1.5 years creating the piece, which is a reproduction of a traditional Oba head from the ancient Kingdom of Benin in Nigeria. The sculpture is an impressive sight, drawing crowds and sparking curiosity among festival-goers.
The sculpture is inspired by traditional Benin Kingdom commemorative pieces, which date back several centuries and hold significant importance in African art and international museum collections. Dermé's work is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Africa and showcases the artistic skills of Burkinabè craftsmen. The Oba sculpture is a large-scale representation of a traditional Oba head, with intricate details and a majestic presence. Dermé's creation is not only a tribute to African culture but also a demonstration of Burkinabè craftsmanship.
For Salfo Dermé, sculpture is a family legacy that has been passed down through five generations. His family has a long history of working with bronze, and Dermé grew up surrounded by the craft. He explains that his family's history with bronze dates back to the Mogho Naaba, a Burkinabè king, and that his ancestors continued to work with bronze after colonization. This heritage has instilled in Dermé a deep passion for sculpture and a commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship.
Dermé's artistic journey has been marked by several awards and recognitions, including a UNICEF prize in 2004 and a medal from the Académie des arts européens in France in 2005. His work has also been sold to private collectors in Côte d'Ivoire and Europe. Despite his achievements, Dermé notes that his work remains relatively unknown in Burkina Faso, where he has yet to sell a piece to a local collector. Nevertheless, he is determined to continue creating art that showcases African culture and craftsmanship.
The Oba sculpture is not only a celebration of African culture but also a reflection of Burkinabè identity. Dermé incorporated elements of Burkinabè heritage into the piece, including a socle inspired by the Mogho Naaba's hat and traditional Gourounsi motifs. The sculpture is a testament to the diversity and richness of Burkinabè culture, which Dermé hopes will inspire a new generation of artists and art enthusiasts.
As an artist, Dermé is committed to modernizing traditional craftsmanship and making it more competitive in the global market. He believes that artisans must evolve and adapt to changing times, creating innovative pieces that showcase their skills and creativity. Dermé is already working on new projects, including a plan to create the largest bronze sculpture in Africa and break existing records.
As Dermé looks to the future, he hopes to pass on his knowledge and skills to the next generation. His atelier serves as a space for learning and experimentation, where his children can develop their artistic talents. Dermé is particularly keen for his daughter to take up sculpture, as women are underrepresented in the craft. He hopes that one day, his daughter will be able to represent him, Burkinabè culture, and African art on the international stage.
Key points
- Salfo Dermé's monumental bronze sculpture, "Oba," is a celebration of African culture and Burkinabè craftsmanship.
- The sculpture is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Africa and showcases the artistic skills of Burkinabè craftsmen.
- Dermé hopes to pass on his knowledge and skills to the next generation, including his daughter, who he encourages to take up sculpture.
