Sukur Cultural Landscape - Nigeria

Here it is, the 2nd UNESCO card from Nigeria. The quality of this one is much better than the other one and I'm much happier with it. 

Photo credit: Ishanlosen Odiaua

The Sukur Cultural Landscape, with the Palace of the Hidi (Chief) on a hill dominating the villages below, the terraced fields and their sacred symbols, and the extensive remains of a former flourishing iron industry, is a remarkably intact physical expression of a society and its spiritual and material culture. - in: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/938

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove - Nigeria

Some time ago I checked an UNESCO group on FB, hoping to find offers of my missing sites and found someone offering the 2 Nigerian Sites. I got in touch with the person, arranged the swap and the cards arrived a month later. 

I should have been super happy with these postcards but actually fell a bit disappointed, especially with this one due to the poor quality of the photo. Well, good or bad, the truth is that I scratched 2 more places  from my missing list. 

The dense forest of the Osun Sacred Grove, on the outskirts of the city of Osogbo, is one of the last remnants of primary high forest in southern Nigeria. Regarded as the abode of the goddess of fertility Osun, one of the pantheon of Yoruba gods, the landscape of the grove and its meandering river is dotted with sanctuaries and shrines, sculptures and art works in honour of Osun and other deities. The sacred grove, which is now seen as a symbol of identity for all Yoruba people, is probably the last in Yoruba culture. It testifies to the once widespread practice of establishing sacred groves outside all settlements. - in: http://whc.unesco.org/fr/list/1118/

Idanre Hills - Nigeria

Idanre Hills is not a UNESCO WHS but that can happen one day because the site is already on the Tentative List. 

The historic Idanre hills represent one of the wonders of nature and a marvelous tourist attraction. Located in the ancient town of Idanre, South-West, Nigeria, this destination is so strategically located at about 15km southwest of Akure, the state capital.

There is the ancient town, which is at the hill top and the new settlement at the hill. 

Old Idanre Town is said to be 800 years old and the hills can be reached by 667 steps with spectacular views overlooking the new town of Idanre. 

The Idanre hills, which are steep-sided, smooth and dome-shape in nature, present an awe-inspiring sight. The different hills were named after some historical figures in the socio-cultural evolution of Idanre land. 

Idanre Hills in the past offered protection against invaders and are worshipped annually. The cultural relics in terms of gods, goddesses and traditional arts crafts can still be seen in addition to the old palace built around the 17th century.

To get to the top of the hill, tourists will have to climb 667 steps with five resting posts along the steps where tourists can take a rest. The steps and resting places had been reconstructed while the notable historical monuments such as the old primary school, native court, the mausoleum, the Owa’s secretary’s office, the Oloris’ quarters and the ancient palace had all been restored. - in: http://www.ondostate.gov.ng/new/tourism.php?id=2

Epe - Nigeria

Yay, a card from a new country, Nigeria :D I really don't mind having the card sent from somewhere else, in this case, Latvia.

Thanks Amelija from trading with me.

This boys are hewing out a canoe in Epe, a town in Lagos State, located on the north side of the Lekki Lagoon.