Iledi Ontooto: Shrine Under Restoration

This photo shows the middle section of the Iledi Ontotoo Shrine, Susanne Wenger’s most sensitive and complex architectural creation, under restoration. The metal roof and traditional wooden framing system are being replaced under the direction of New Sacred Art Movement artist, Rabiu Abesu.
Built in the 1960’s, Iledi Ontotoo is the assembly point for the Ogboni, traditionalists associated with the Earth deity. This remarkable structure is composed of three enormous roofs which rise against the sky like giant lizards, representing the forces of the earth before mankind. This photo shows the centrepiece of the Shrine with the powerfully sculpted high-posts that support the roof which symbolically protect the inner sanctum of the Shrine.
This Shrine had nearly collapsed when the New Sacred Art Movement artists, led by Adebisi Akanji, Susanne’s artistic collaborator on all her major monuments, and Sangodare Ajala, leader of the New Sacred Art Movement, rescued and rebuilt it in 2012. Twenty-three artists, artisans and labourers worked on the restoration over an eight-month period. The roofs and all the cement walls were completely recreated. The reddish colour was achieved by adding red iron oxide to final finish of the Shrine. In the past laterite was mixed with the cement to save costs. Unfortunately, this earth additive was also the cause of the collapse of the walls. Now that it has been recreated using only strong materials, this magnificent Shrine will last forever!