Menu
FREE ART CONSULTATION

PreviewPreview AR previewAR preview Switch to Print Switch to PrintSwitch to hand made Painting Switch to hand made PaintingSwitch to Image Switch to Image SendSend
Add to favorites Add to favorites DownloadDownload SimilarsSimilars X-RayX-Ray DiaporamaDiaporama

Ọ̀ṣun Statue

There are many places along the river which are considered sacred and are used for rituals. The bend in the river outside the main Ọ̀ṣun Shrine, which is known as Ibú Ojúbọ Òṣogbo, is where the annual Ọ̀ṣun festival finds its climax.The current statue was created by Saka Aremu in the early 1970s and has become the iconic image of the goddess and indeed the Sacred Groves. In the words of Ulli Beier: ‘Saka’s figure represents the archaic force of water, it reminds us that Oshun is also a wild, dangerous force, not merely the charming, seductive woman. Even in her full strength and awesome dignity, however, Oshun is an òrìṣà who inspires confidence’.It was the third figure to be erected in the same spot: The first was destroyed by the river itself; the second statue of Ọ̀ṣun was by Ojewale Amoo, which - according to Susanne Wenger - ‘fell down when Ojewale inadvertently violated one of the goddess’ taboos’. Depending on the season, the statue of Ọ̀ṣun is either fully visible standing on a fish – which some believe is ikọ̀, her messenger – or is partly, sometimes nearly fully, submerged in the waters of her river.

saka aremu (? – ?)

Discover Saka Aremu, a pioneering Nigerian artist and early member of the sacred art movement. Renowned for his sculptures like the Ọ̀ṣun Statue and the Chameleon Gate, his work celebrates spiritual themes and cultural heritage.

The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove (Osogbo, Nigeria)

Explore the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, Nigeria – UNESCO World Heritage Site! Discover Yoruba spirituality, stunning sculptures & vibrant artistic traditions centered around the goddess of fertility.

About this artwork

QR Code

QR Code