Mestre Didi

Mestre Didi (b. 1917, Salvador, Brazil – d. 2013, Salvador, Brazil) was a Brazilian artist, priest, and writer celebrated for his sculptural works rooted in Afro-Brazilian spirituality and Candomblé traditions. Drawing upon sacred symbols, ritual practices, and ancestral knowledge, he created intricate sculptures using organic materials such as straw, shells, beads, and cloth. His works embody the spiritual presence of orixás and entities from Yoruba cosmology, transforming ritual aesthetics into contemporary art. Beyond his artistic practice, Mestre Didi was a respected leader in Afro-Brazilian religious life, preserving and transmitting cultural and spiritual heritage through both visual and literary means. He is regarded as a central figure in Brazilian modern and contemporary art, bridging sacred practice and artistic expression while affirming the resilience of African diasporic traditions.