Born in Kumasi, Ghana, Osei Bonsu was introduced to carving at a young age by his father, a drummer and carver. Showing great skill, Bonsu produced highly mature sculptural works early in his career and, when he was in his teens, received commissions from several chiefs along the Gold Coast (present-day Ghana). Beginning in 1920, Bonsu, along with his older brother and father, was hired as an interpreter by the British anthropologist Captain R. S. Rattray and traveled extensively with him. In 1924, when Bonsu’s father and brother journeyed to England for the British Empire Exhibition, Bonsu remained home and continued to develop his workshop. He taught carving at several colonial schools between 1933 and 1956, producing works for various courts until his death.