Google Partnership: To Preserve A Historical Site In Osun State

Google Arts & Culture in partnership with The Adunni Olorisha Trust and CyArk have agreed to restore and preserve a historical site in Osun state. This called for the launch of the first and largest digital library of content showcasing the OsunOsogbo Sacred Grove.

This partnership serves as part of Google Arts and Culture’s wider “Heritage on the Edge” project. Due to climate change, the area has been at risk of being dislodged. The aim is to preserve the remaining sacred sites and digitally document these heritage sites, reducing the effects of flooding and other outcomes of climate change.

Google Arts & Culture has developed a collection that allows people to view 900 high-resolution photographs of the site, contemporary and historical artworks and sculptures, artists and spiritual leaders. This has built and grown the online presence of the grove.

Nigeria’s Information and Culture Minister, Lai Mohammed expressed his delight with this development:

“I said during the visit to the Grove in 2019 that it was important to refocus national and global attention on this world heritage site, and I am glad we achieved our purpose, as can be attested to by this project digitizing the shrine and its surroundings. I wish to most sincerely commend all the partners for this monumental work.”

Chance Coughenour, Program manager and digital archaeologist, at Google Arts & Culture, has expressed his pride in what the group has been able to achieve:

“We are grateful that through partnerships we are now able to preserve one of the most recognized, culturally rich Yoruba heritage sites, known for active traditional worship and contemporary art movements.”

The aim of this partnership is not only for the sake of preserving these historical sites. It will serve as a tourist centre, as well as an educational site for the younger generation to draw historical knowledge and inspiration.