The Flight of Oshun
This sculpture depicts the story of the Yoruba Orisha Oshun, who saved the world through her bravery and tenacity. In Yoruba spirituality, Oshun, the youngest of the Orishas, is the goddess of the rivers and streams, love, sensuality, beauty, fertility, and wealth.
According to the story, the other Orishas grew weary of serving Olodumare, the creator of the universe. In response, Olodumare withheld rain from the Earth, causing a devastating drought that led to famine, destroyed crops, and left the land barren. Setting pride aside, the Orishas decided to seek Olodumare’s forgiveness. However, none were brave enough to journey to the high heavens to do so, except for Oshun.
Despite being mocked and doubted by the others, Oshun volunteered herself. She transformed into a peacock and took flight toward the heavens. As she ascended higher and higher, the intense heat of the sun scorched her vibrant blue wings, turning them black. By the time she reached the heavens, she had transformed into a vulture. There, she pleaded with Olodumare to restore rain to the Earth. Moved by her determination and spirit, Olodumare returned the rainfall and named Oshun their messenger from that day forward.
This story represents the invaluable, innumerable, and often thankless ways women uphold communities, nations, and the world itself. It also speaks to a broader shift into a feminine led era of existence, one that holds the power to rebalance the world with greater harmony, order, and humanity.
Ceramic
10 × 10 × 13 in.
2026