Oj

In September 2019, CyArk and a team from IMISI3D in collaboration with the Adunni Olorisha Trust (AOT) and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) of Nigeria documented three monumental structures at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Osun Osogbo. Despite its national and international significance, many of the shrines and art pieces in the Sacred Grove have fallen into disrepair over the years due to a lack of resources. In an effort to revitalize some of the work done by Susanne Wenger, since 2005 the AOT and NCMM have begun implementing conservation efforts on some of the shrines in collaboration with the local community. The documentation completed as part of this project provides a comprehensive and detailed inventory of the current conditions in 2019 as well as a variety of multimedia content that can be used to raise awareness of the site. Aerial and terrestrial photogrammetry and laser scanning were employed at Il Ont, the assembly hall of the earth cult; Oj , the central shrine for worship and Iy Mo , a monumental statue and shrine to the goddess of women's occupations. Over the course of one week, CyArk and four workshop participants from IMISI3D documented the structures and conducted interviews with local artists and artisans in The 75 hectare sacred grove of Osun Osogbo is the last remaining high forest in the country containing monumental sculptures and shrines depicting Yoruba deities. The site was assigned World Heritage status in 2005, and represents the last example of a once widespread practice of establishing sacred groves by the Yoruba people. The site is unique in having a large component of 20th century sculpture, some created by Austrian artist Suzanne Wenger who eventually became a high priestess and dedicated her life to the sacred grove. External Project Link: \N Additional Info Link: \N