Ilédì Oǹtótóo: Waterlily Wall Detail

This beautiful sculpted flower is a waterlily that is called Oju Oro in Yorùbá . It forms part of the exterior decoration of the Ilédì Oǹtótóo Shrine, dedicated to the Ògbóni, a society of elders associated with the Earth deity. The exterior walls are elaborately sculpted in cement with ‘rapturously emotional scenes’ to use Wenger’s words, depicting interactions with the deities. The flow of the Ọ̀ṣun River and the connection between earth and water are seen and felt throughout the sculpted exterior and interior of this magnificent shine.
Ilédì Oǹtótóo has had many restorations over the decades but had nearly completely collapsed when the New Sacred Art Movement artists, led by Adebisi Akanji - Susanne’s artistic collaborator on all her major monuments - and Sangodare Ajala - the 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.