Trip to: Osun State
Date: 23-25 January 2009
Trip Leaders: Wesley Brubaker & Eguonor Abinogun
Trip report: Crystal Hill
The Nigerian Field Society departed the Lekki Conservation Center for a weekend trip to Osun State with 16 members Friday 23 January 2009. The journey lasted 5 hours and took the group through 4 states, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Osun before reaching Nike’s Guest House in Osogbo. Friday evening wrapped up with dinner at the guest house followed by palm wine and a dance performance by the resident cultural troop. The dance performance included 4 dances and was concluded by a visit from the thunder god Shango filled with examples of the god’s power. The troop invited the group to participate in a Unity Dance and the night ended with dancing.
Saturday 24 January 2009 started bright and early with a 7:30am breakfast at the guest house after which the bus was loaded and the group embarked on a 2 hour drive to Erin-Ijesha to visit the Olumirin waterfalls. While there, Prince Julius gave the history of the falls and accompanied the group on the hike. The group returned to Osogbo after the waterfalls for a visit to Nike’s art workshop for lessons in traditional wood carving and indigo fabric dying. The group also visited Nike’s art gallery for some touring and shopping.
Sunday 25 January 2009 began with breakfast at 7:30am at the guest house after which the bus was loaded and the group departed for a visit to the Osun Sacred Groves. There, the group toured the groves and received blessings from one of the high priests. After the tour, the group was able to visit the home of artist, Susan Wenger, and offered condolences to her family. The group then returned to the guest house for lunch after which they departed Osogbo for the return trip to Lagos. The group arrived back at the Lekki Conservation Center at 6:30pm.
