Susanne Wenger was born in Austria in 1915 and became known as the “white priestess of a sacred riverside deep within Africa.” However, she was not only a spiritual figure but also a highly regarded artist in both Austria and Africa.
Wenger lived in Nigeria for nearly six decades, primarily in a stone house in Oshogbo along with her “spiritual family.” This family included her ritually adopted children, chief-priestess Adedoyin Olosun and chief-priest and artist Shangodare Ajala. She had her studio in this house and was supported by her family.
In spite great odds, Wenger fiercely defended her contributions to the Nigerian region and its people. Wenger’s journey began in the 1950s when she was called upon by the Ifa Oracle to restore the shrine of Idi Baba, which was in disrepair. Later, she worked on the Ojubo Oshogbo, the primary temple of the river-goddess Osun, which had been damaged by termites.
Wenger’s artworks, including cement sculptures, cult shrines, houses, points of initiation, and walls, all depicting the metaphysical, became a lasting reality. She worked with a group of Yoruba artists, priests, and workmen, whom she called “The Sacred Art Movement.” Through working with Wenger, many members of this group later became well-known artists in their own right.
Chief Shangodare Gbadegesin Ajala, who became the spokesperson for the New Sacred Art movement, and Adebisi Akanji, Wenger’s legendary co-builder, are some notable members of the group. Others include Ojewale Amoo, Saka, Buraihmoh Gbadamoshi, Kasali Akangbe, and more. The Oshun Groves was declared a UNESCO world heritage site fifty years after Wenger started creating the monumental sculptures and shrines there.
Throughout her time in Nigeria, Wenger not only protected the natural beauty of the Osun Groves, including the majestic trees along the sacred Osun River, but also preserved one of the most significant spiritual centers for Yoruba culture. There were many challenges that led to the disrepair of many works of art throughout the sacred groove.

In 2006 A foundation named Aduni Olorisa Trust initiated the restoration of many artworks in collaboration with the Ataoja of Osogbo land, The National Commission for museums and monuments, and the Susan Wenger Foundation (Austria). With the help of the AOT, the New Sacred Art Movement began its first restoration in 2007 and since has completed
7 major restorations including 5 monuments, 800 meters of decorative walls and 50 sculptures. The work was led by Sangodare Ajala and Adebisi Akanji assisted by siblings and new apprentices

On 12 January 2009, she passed on at the age of 93 in Oshogbo. The New Sacred Art Movement, founded by Wenger, continues to carry on her heritage of sacred art in the Osun Groves.