Damien Akati’s grandfather, the late Ekplékendo Akati, is the author of the famous 'God Ogun', which he sculpted in 1858, Considered one of the most beautiful and representative of the ancient kingdom of Dahomey, the artefact is still present in the permanent collection of the Musée du Quai Branly, in Paris, France. Coming from a lineage of blacksmiths, Damien perpetuates the skills of his creed, through the use of bronze, iron and carved wood from which he masterfully crafts ornate regalia that pay homage to Benin's ancestral kingdom. Known for their astute sense for detailing , Akati royal sceptres are often surmounted by mythical creatures  representative of sovereign power. These beautiful works in craftsmanship, apart from their purely aesthetic appeal, are the vibrant testaments of a not so distant past."