Ilédì Oǹtótóo: early photograph with thatched roof (1968/1975) by Susanne Wenger and Adebisi AkanjiOriginal Source: Adunni Olorisha Trust/ Osun Foundation
A masterpiece
Ilédì Oǹtótóo was created by Susanne Wenger, Adebisi Akanji and the New Sacred Art Movement in the Ọ̀ṣun Òṣogbo Groves in the 1960s.
It serves as a meeting point for the Ògbóni, a traditional society associated with the Earth Deity.
Ilédì Oǹtótóo: Sculpted Wooden High-Posts (1970s) by NSA artistsOriginal Source: Adunni Olorisha Trust/ Osun Foundation
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.
CyArk 3D Animation: Iledi OntotooAdunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation
Be amazed by the extent of the construction in this CyArk Animation.
Ilédì Oǹtótóo: left wing after restoration (1968/1975) by Susanne Wenger and Adebisi AkanjiAdunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation
Beneath the sloping roof of the left wing of the Ògbóni Shrine is a sculpture of the unique greeting gesture of the society’s members right next to the intricate depiction of a water lily.
Ilédì Oǹtótóo: the waterlily (1968) by Susanne Wenger and Adebisi AkanjiOriginal Source: Adunni Olorisha Trust/ Osun Foundation
The intricate sculpture of the waterlily.
Ilédì Oǹtótóo: Sculpted Wooden Posts (1968) by Susanne Wenger, Adbisi Akani and Kasali Akangbe-Ogun, Buraimoh Gbadamosi, Rabiu AbesuOriginal Source: Adunni Olorisha Trust/ Osun Foundation
The centrepieces of Ilédì Oǹtótóo are the powerfully sculpted high posts that support the roof and symbolically protect the inner sanctum of the shrine.
Ilédì Oǹtótóo: Ọbàtálá rising (1968/1975) by Susanne Wenger and Adebisi AkanjiOriginal Source: Adunni Olorisha Trust/ Osun Foundation
Underneath the roof of the right wing, Ọbàtálá, the god of creation and light, rises from the white elephant’s forehead, symbolizing that divine transcendence originates from Mother Earth.
Ilédì Oǹtótóo: Ọ̀ṣun Wave Wall Detail (1968/1975) by Susanne Wenger and Adebisi AkanjiOriginal Source: Adunni Olorisha Trust/ Osun Foundation
'Each shrine is a spiritual pilgrimage to psychic depth.'
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 shrine.
Ilédì Oǹtótóo: Entrance into the Shrine (1962/1968) by Susanne Wenger and Adebisi AkanjiOriginal Source: Adunni Olorisha Trust/ Osun Foundation
The entry to the shrine is underneath the middle roof and the doorway is in the shape of a giant paw print, referencing the connection of the Ògbóni society to the earth.
Iledi Ontotoo: Shrine Wall Painting in the Interior (1962/1968) by Foyeke Tundun and Sango TundunOriginal Source: Adunni Olorisha Trust/ Osun Foundation
Shrine paintings send messages to the òrìṣà
The interior is richly decorated with wall-paintings, a symbolic visual art form typical to the Yorùbá.
The original paintings were created by Foyeke Ajoke and Songo Tundun.
Foyeke’s grandson, Kujenyo Kehinde Sango, recreated these magnificent works of art in 2012.
Ilédì Oǹtótóo Shrine Paintings
Iledi Ontooto: Shrine Under Restoration (1962/1968) by Susanne Wenger and Adebisi AkanjiOriginal Source: Adunni Olorisha Trust/ Osun Foundation
This shrine has had many restorations over the decades but had nearly completely collapsed when the New Sacred Art Restoration Team, led by Adebisi Akanji and Sangodare Ajala, rescued and rebuilt it in 2012.
Serious damage caused by a fallen tree in 2020.
Ilédì Oǹtótóo: after restoration of tree damage (1968/1975) by Susanne Wenger and Adebisi AkanjiAdunni Olorisha Trust / Adunni Osun Foundation
Restored again to its former glory
Luckily, the New Sacred Art Restoration Team, led by Nurudeen Adebisi, was able to restore the right wing of the shrine after the tree-damage.
Curatorial Assistance: Molara Wood
Researcher: Akintayo Abodunrin
3D Animation by CyArk
360º view of shrine paintings by Google
PHOTOGRAPHY
AOT collection
Adolphus Opara
CyArk
Gert Chesi
Julius Berger PLC
Lesley Lababidi
'Quotes' in the text are all by Susanne Wenger unless stated otherwise.
With special thanks to Tolaram Group Plc; Julius Berger Plc. and the Goethe Institut of Nigeria.
Find out more about the work of the AOT/F 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.