As a Gèlèdé master-artisan, the practice of Kifouli Dossou finds its origins in the cultural ideologies of Fon & Yorùba. Llinked through history, tradition and language to the Kingdom of Dahomey.The oral tradition of Gèlèdé, one of West Africa’s crown jewels, is inscribed by UNESCO on the List of Humanity’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Kifouli Dossou carves directly in the mass of Merina wood. The craftsman appreciates this peculiar kernel for its striking opalescence, light weight and high resistance, making it notoriously hard to work. 

Kifouli's awe-inspiring technique is the alliance of a gentle sensuality and a dazzling tour de force, conferring him as one of Benin's highly sought-after master-artisan.