The Arch of the Flying Tortoise and Sculpted Walls

This outstanding cement sculpted arch, the original entrance to the Sacred Groves, is the latest work of art to be completed by the New Sacred Art team. The installation had collapsed completely many years ago. It was recreated from photographs and memory by Adebisi Akanji, who taught Susanne the art of working with cement, and Adebisi Nurudeen, his son and also an accomplished artist. The Arch is sculpted with cement reinforced with iron rods and netting.
The meaning behind the flying tortoise motif is described by Susanne as follows: “In many cultures the tortoise represents matter—the opaque and heavy aspects of the divine. But nothing can keep its heaviness intact when entering the precincts of Osun’s influence.”

We thank the Republic of Austria for generously funding this Restoration.