Africa is known for its rich cultural tapestry and spiritual heritage that is deeply rooted in the sacred spaces, shrines and temples that span its landscapes.
Central to African spirituality is the practice of ancestral veneration. African shrines and temples serve as bridges between the living and the departed. They are places where offerings are made, prayers are uttered and guidance is sought from the ancestors. In Yoruba culture, for example, the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove in Nigeria is a place where devotees pay homage to the goddess Osun, seeking her blessings and protection.
Africa’s spiritual heritage is as diverse as its landscapes. From the pyramids of Egypt to the rock-hewn churches of Lalībela in Ethiopia, the
continent boasts a remarkable array of sacred sites that span millennia. Each region, tribe and culture has its unique sacred spaces, yet they all share a common thread: the reverence for the divine and the ancestors.
The Osun-Osogbo/Oshogbo Shrine in Nigeria. Credit: Jbdodane from Flickr.
Divine landscapes