Nino, as he is commonly known, was born in Ceara, Brazil, ca. 1920, and died there in 2002. Unschooled, he made a living as an agricultural and factory worker. Later in his life he started carving small wooden dolls and toys. In the late 1980’s he became well known for his large wooden sculptures depicting fantasy animals and visionary characters. He continued his work until ca. 2000 when his eyesight failed him. Nino’s works are widely collected in Brazil and are included in several important museum collections and featured in various art publications and exhibition catalogs. He was included in the exhibition of the American Visionary Art Museum: WE ARE NOT ALONE: ANGELS AND OTHER ALIENS, 2000-2001.