Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn – Urgent Restoration Needed Due to Climate Change
An important shrine in the history of Òṣogbo is facing destruction.
Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn – one of the oldest shrine in the groves (1984)Adunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation
Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn
Standing on the river’s edge close to one of the sacred sites along its path, Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn used to be of special importance to the Atáọ́ja and his royal family. This is ‘where they carried out their rituals and from where they fetched the water to bathe each new-born child'.
Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn – one of the sacred places along the river (1984)Adunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation
Sacred sites of worship
‘The Ọ̀ṣun river has forty sacred sites in the dense forest through which it flows in Oshogbo territory. These 'ibú' are the sites of whirlpools, where the water eats itself into the depth of the riverbed and accumulated the magic powers embedded in the ancient rocks'.
Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn – in need of restoratiion in 2000 (2000)Adunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation
Part of the Sacred Groves close to the town
This old and sacred shrine was totally rebuilt by the New Sacred Art Movement in the early 1970s and it has always required consistent maintenance due to flooding during the rainy seasons.
Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn areal view (2021) by CyArkAdunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation
Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn, an ancient shrine now very close to the town's edge
Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn (early 1970s) by Susanne Wenger and NSA artistsOriginal Source: Adunni Olorisha Trust/ Osun Foundation
Climate change is taking its toll
Unfortunately, the flooding has become more severe in recent years and the shrine has fallen into complete disrepair.
Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn: Shrine in Need of RestorationAdunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation
In 2019 extreme flooding created massive damage
The restoration team could not restore the Búsanyìn Shrine without a solution to prevent future flooding.
Ìyá Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn – the high priestess of the shrine (2021)Adunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation
Ìyá Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn – the high priestess of the shrine
This shrine is of special significance to the Atáọ́ja, the King of Òṣogbo. A place of deep spirituality, important rituals are performed here especially during the annual Ọ̀ṣun Òṣogbo Festival.
Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn – CyArk technicians setting up their equipment (2021)Adunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation
Can we save Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn from future natural disaster?
The AOT/F reached out to CyArk – a USA based NGO – for heIp. The AOT/F is now working together with CyArk to build a conservation plan.
Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn – CyArk technicians setting up their equipment (2021)Adunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation
We are determined to find a way to protect the shrine
In 2021/22 a team from CyArk, supported by the USA Government, captured data of the damaged shrine. They were assisted by five Nigerian architects recruited by the AOT/F and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments.
Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn animation (2021) by CyArk; AOT/FAdunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation
Data capture with modern technology
CyArk Animation
Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn (2021)Adunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation
Working with experts and the community
Flood engineering experts identified a solution, supported by the community of priests and devotees. A complete restoration plan has been created with the help of the USA funding.
Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn – The Atáọ́ja at the ribbon-cutting ceremony (2021)Adunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation
Support from the spiritual leader
The Atáọ́ja, the King of Òṣogbo, shows his support for CyArk’s work and the AOT/F’s effort to find a permanent solution to the flooding and to rebuild the shrine. This photo was taken at the ribbon cutting ceremony in 2021.
Ọ̀ṣun Búsanyìn – the shrine as seen from the river (2021)Adunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation
Now we must raise the funds to restore the shrine!
We have a solution and the New Sacred Art Movement Restoration Team is ready to start. Now we must raise the funds!
CyArk documented "Creating the Immersive Tour of the Busanyin Shrine at the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove" which you can explore HERE
CyArk also created an immersive experience including songs and memories shared by members of the local community. Explore the CyArk Immersive Tour
VIDEO AND ANIMATION
CyArk
PHOTOGRAPHS
Abiodun Omotoso
Adolphus Opara
AOT Collection
CyArk
Gerhard Merzeder
Wolfgang Denk
'Quotes' in the text are all by Susanne Wenger unless stated otherwise.
We thank the US Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation for providing the funds and CyArk working with CDR Engineering for creating the comprehensive flood mitigation plan.
Find out more about the AOT/F’s work by visiting our website www.aot-aof.org
Your donations will support our continuing efforts to maintain and restore the works of art in the Sacred Ọ̀ṣun Òṣogbo Groves. Thank you.
