Igbó Fá: with its creator Lasisi Isola

This dramatic sculpture is the gate that leads to the “Igbó Fá” - the Ifá Grove - a sacred space which is not open to the public. It is an area used for Ifá initiations and rituals and is taboo to outsiders.
This work of art was created by Lasisi Isola, who was introduced to Susanne Wenger by a high ranking Ifá Priest. Through his association with Susanne Wenger Lasisi developed his talents as a sculptor of cement, a wood carver and textile artist using the traditional indigo Àdìrẹ tie-and-dye techniques.
As with most of the shrines and works of art in the Sacred Groves, the Igbó Fá Gate was created using cement, reinforced by iron rods and netting. To save money at the time earth was often used as a core building block and then covered with cement. Over time the earthen core would weaken and gradually the sculpture would disintegrate.

In 2018 the restoration team under the guidance by Sangodare Ajala, completely restored Igbó Fá Gate, this time using high-quality cement and iron reinforcement. The lead restoration artists were Adebisi Nurudeen and Adeyemi Oseni.
During the restoration works the completely overgrown figure of a bird was uncovered and was restored to its old glory. It is now sitting on the floor and not on the wall as was the case originally.