Walls from Arugba's Gate to Olomoloyo: Restoration Work in Progress: Two Drummers

As you enter the main gate to the Osun Shrine, passing through the Arch of the Flying Tortoise, there are beautiful sculpted wall on either side of the pathway leading to the main Osun Shrine. This image is of a partially constructed sculpture on a portion of the wall. Two drummers emerge in bas relief from the wall. They are greeting the visitors to the Groves! The drummer is playing a Bata drum, a double headed drum in an hour glass shape, originating from Yorubaland where they were used originally for religious and ceremonial purposes.
They are the work of Adebisi Nurudeen, the talented son of Adebisi Akanji, an original member of the new Sacred Art Movement and Susanne Wenger’s closest collaborator in the Groves. Adebisi had succeeded in passing his knowledge and artistic abilities to his son. Adebisi Nurudeen has risen to become a very important member of the New Sacred Art Movement restoration team, mentoring apprentice artists and artisans who are learning the technique of restoring the works of art in the Groves.