NIGERIA ~ Osun Osogbo Grove - UNESCO ~

... Great Nigerian UNESCO postcard nr2... the grove is a dense forest, dotted with art works, sculptures, sanctuaries and shrines honoring the goddess Osun and some other deities.... the last remaining site of Yoruba worship... a sacred, tranquil and peaceful place... their history, rich heritage and mesmerizing attractions make it a fascinating, unique and outstanding destination...  there is a festival every year in honour of the river, this is called Osun Osogbo festival... this festival draws tourists from all over the world who come and pay homage to the river goddess... Thanks a lot Ahmed!!❀◕ ‿ ◕❀

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove  (±75 hectares) is a sacred forest along the banks of the Osun River in Osun State.

Dedicated to Osun, the Yoruba goddess of fertility, the area was established more than four centuries ago and is the largest of the sacred groves that have survived to the present. The Osun River meanders through the protected area, with sanctuaries and shrines erected along its course. In the 20thC, the development of the movement of New Sacred Art invigorated efforts to protect the grove, and modern sculpture now adds to the spiritual significance of the site.

This movement was led by Susanne Wenger (1915–2009), an artist and Yoruban priestess, and it transformed Osogbo into a hub of artistic activity and new ideas about contemporary African art. She married a local drummer and lived in Osun Oshogbo until her death.

The Osun-Osogbo Grove was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005

Stamp:

National Theatre
(Issued 23-05-1990)

Definitive hologram stamp
(Issued 09-10-2010)