Ilédì Oǹtótóo: Shrine Paintings

Built in the late 1960’s and early 1970s on the site of an abandoned school, Ilédì Oǹtótóo is the assembly point for the Ògbóni, Yorùbá 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.

The interior walls as well as the exterior walls at the back of the shrine are richly decorated with wall-paintings, a symbolic visual art form typical to the Yorùbá, which communicate messages to the Gods.
The original paintings were created by Foyeke Ajoke and Songo Tundun who also created the wall shrine art in Susanne Wenger’s house.
They were the only women artists in the New Sacred Art Movement and in charge of wall paintings, which used to be a traditionally female domain in Yorùbá traditional culture.
Fortunately, Foyeke’s grandson, Kujenyo Kehinde Sango, who had been carried on his grandmother’s back while she created the original art in the 1960’s, was able to recreate these magnificent works of art in Ilédì Oǹtótóo in 2012.

There is very little written about this unique art form. Bolaji Campbell’s book; “Painting for the Gods: Art and Aesthetics of Yoruba Religious Art”, African World Press; Trenton N.J. 2008 is an excellent reference.