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Sacred Grove's Guardian Fights for Forest's Soul
20 Jan
Summary
- Artist Kasali Akangbe Ogun protected the 75-hectare Osun Forest and its river.
- The Osun Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is vital to Yoruba cosmology.
- The grove features sanctuaries, shrines, and art honoring fertility goddess Osun.
Kasali Akangbe Ogun, a prominent artist, dedicated his life to protecting the sacred Osun Forest and its river in Nigeria. Founded by Susanne Wenger, the New Sacred Art Movement aimed to preserve this 75-hectare natural and cultural treasure. Ogun's commitment extended to confronting those who misused the protected area, ensuring the sanctity of the environment.
The Osun Grove, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, holds immense cultural significance for the Yoruba people. Revered as the abode of the goddess Osun, the landscape is adorned with sanctuaries, shrines, and artworks celebrating deities. This forest represents perhaps the last of its kind in Yoruba culture, standing as a vital symbol of identity.
Works by the New Sacred Art Movement, including Ogun's art, are currently featured in the Nigerian Modernism exhibition at Tate Modern. The Osun Osogbo Festival, centered around the sacred river, draws thousands annually, highlighting the grove's enduring importance as a spiritual hub and a significant tourist attraction.
