The granite bird
On a boulder.
CelitoArtwork — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Vineke — CC BY-SA 4.0 · CelitoArtwork — CC BY-SA 4.0 · CelitoArtwork — CC BY-SA 4.0 · CelitoArtwork — CC BY-SA 4.0
Laongo Granite Sculpture Park is an open-air art site about 35 km from Ouagadougou, between Ziniaré and Laongo-Yanga in Oubritenga Province. It holds dozens of sculptures carved by artists from around the world directly into the natural granite boulders scattered among the trees. The Burkinabè sculptor Ky Siriki founded the site in 1989 as a biennial sculpture symposium. The first edition opened on 13 January 1989 with 18 sculptors from 13 countries. Invited artists use the site's own granite, some combining it with other materials such as metal. The tenth edition took place in May 2012. You walk dirt paths among trees and grass, passing grey granite boulders carved with shapes, faces, animals and patterns. Some works are small and stand alone, while others are cut into huge rocks. One of the best known is a granite bird with outstretched wings perched on a large boulder. It is about 32 km from central Ouagadougou in a straight line. Do not climb on or touch the sculptures. Carry water and a hat, as shade is scarce in places. The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to the whole of Burkina Faso, so read the current advice before any planning.
On a boulder.
In the rocks.
Among trees.
Near Laongo, between Ziniaré and Laongo-Yanga, Burkina Faso
The Burkinabè sculptor Ky Siriki, in 1989.
Yes, the UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to the whole country.