According to Yorùbá tradition, over 600 years ago, a hunter stumbled upon a verdant grove in southwestern Nigeria shaped by a swift river. His community, enduring a drought, eagerly relocated to this area, soon discovering it was governed by Ọ̀ṣun, the goddess of rivers and fertility. In return for protection and prosperity, they vowed to honor the deity, establishing the foundation for what is now known as the Ọṣun-Òṣogbo Sacred Grove.
A UNESCO World Heritage site covering 190 acres, this spiritual sanctuary has been cherished by the Yorùbá people for generations. In the mid-20th century, a collective of artists rejuvenated the landscape by creating large sculptures to pay homage to the grove’s namesake. Known as the New Sacred Art Movement, these efforts are featured in a short documentary released by The Met, which explores the grove and showcases artists who have crafted totems, formed large creatures from clay and mud, and developed a lively art environment intended to be preserved through generations.
Directed by Sosena Solomon, the documentary is part of The Met’s initiative focusing on Africa’s cultural landmarks, produced in collaboration with the World Monuments Fund. It spotlights creators working on new and existing pieces, including Kasali Akangbe Ogun, who was instrumental in leading the New Sacred Art Movement with Austrian-Nigerian artist Susanne Wenger and Chief Adebisi Akanji in the 1960s. Ogun continues to carve totemic shrines and pass his skills to his children.
While many similar sites have deteriorated, the artists working in the grove have preserved its sanctity by building a vast art environment depicting different deities. The grove hosts an annual festival and attracts pilgrims each year. As time progresses, artists and caretakers strive to both maintain the existing structures and impart knowledge to ensure the grove’s ongoing preservation. “What makes Ọṣun-Òṣogbo such a special place is,” says Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, “this is a living story.”
Ọṣun-Òṣogbo Sacred Grove is among 13 cultural sites visited by The Met across the continent, with more available on YouTube. Additionally, a book surveying over 400 spiritual environments worldwide might be of interest.
