Drone flyover of the Busanyin shrine
Located along the banks of the Osun river, the sacred grove of Osun Osogbo rises like a green oasis.
Digital Documentation and Training at the Busanyin Shrine
In 2021, with support from the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, CyArk partnered with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, the Adunni Olorisa Trust and the local community of Osogbo to document the Busanyin shrine & provide training to local experts.
Reflection of Oja Ontotoo, marketplace for spirits and gods (2019-09) by CyArkCyArk
Located on the banks of the Osun River, the world heritage site of Osun Osogbo is home to hundreds of monumental sculptures and works of art depicting Yoruba deities and folklore.
Priestess collects water at Busanyin shrine (2021) by CyArkCyArk
Every year, thousands of visitors and locals alike come to visit and connect with the history and traditional culture of this region.
Osunyemi Efunsola, the local priestess at the Busanyin shrine collects water from the sacred Osun river.
Damage from flooding at Busanyin shrien (2021) by CyArkCyArk
In 2019, heavy rains caused significant damage to much of the artwork at the Busanyin shine, one of the iconic sites part of the sacred grove.
Digitally Documenting the Shrine
After a week-long training, Nigerian heritage professionals worked with CyArk to document the site using the latest technology including drones and laser scanning. In addition to the 3D documentation, local staff also recorded interviews with local community members.
Conservation architect Ayeni completes Laser scanning at Busanyin shrine (2021) by CyArkCyArk
Ayeni Imokhai Oisewemime, Conservation architect for the National Commission for Museums and Monuments completes laser scanning of the rear facade of the Busanyin shrine.
Documenting spirit figurines at the Busanyin shrineCyArk
Tubi Otitooluwa, Associate Director of James Cubitt Architects completes photogrammetry of one of the carved walls within the Busanyin shrine.
King at BusanyinCyArk
These stories help shed light on the many layers of meaning and importance that this site holds for the community. The Ataoja of Osogbo, his Royal Highness Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II also has a personal connection with the shrine.
Interviewing priestess at Busanyin shrine (2021) by CyArkCyArk
In addition to the 3D data collected of the site, interviews with local community members and project partners were conducted to record the many stories and traditional cultural knowledge associated with the Busanyin shrine.
Ayeni Busanyin (2021) by CyArkCyArk
Celebration at Busanyin shrineCyArk
The immersive experience includes 14 stops with songs and memories performed and shared by members of the project team and local community. Explore the Virtual Tour
Toyin Ajayi (2021) by CyArkCyArk
Learn more about the Sacred Groves of Osun Osogbo on Google Arts and Culture.
