Inisa: Soapstone Carving and Jalumi War Monument

Inisa offers two cultural perspectives: soapstone carving is a local craft, while the Jalumi War Monument is connected with historical accounts. This brings craft and remembrance of war side by side. It gives you a concrete starting point for planning your trip: Are you especially interested in a particular craft, the history of a monument, or both? This question can also guide your search for a holiday rental in Inisa, without losing sight of the rest of your travel plans.

Soapstone Carving

The soapstone craft clearly identifies both its material and its activity. The combination of the material and carving gives the subject a distinct profile: the focus is on a particular form of craftsmanship. For travellers interested in a place’s creative side, this offers a perspective on Inisa in its own right. It differs from the Jalumi War Monument, whose historical context is shaped by a dedication, a cannon, and historical accounts.

Jalumi War Monument: Cannon and History

The cannon at the Jalumi War Monument was erected in 1942 in honour of Captain Robert Bower. It was regarded as a sign that the war had ended. The renovated monument site was inaugurated on 8 November 2019 beside the Otin River Bridge in Inisa. The dates refer to different stages: 1942 marks the erection of the cannon, while 8 November 2019 marks the inauguration of the renovated site. Keeping these dates separate distinguishes the historical object from its later inauguration.

At the inauguration, the Olunisa of Inisa, Oba Joseph Oladunjoye Oyedele, Fasikun II, recounted how the monument came about. He also spoke about the wars between the Fulani and Yoruba that ravaged Yorubaland towards the end of the 19th century. The account places these wars in a different period from the erection of the cannon in 1942. According to a report from 2019, Captain Robert Bower was stationed at the site of the Jalumi War Monument during the war.

These details play different roles in interpreting the monument: the dedication names Bower as the person honoured; the Olunisa’s account conveys the monument’s origins and his portrayal of the wars; and the report about Bower’s posting places him at the site during the war. Together, these connections make the remembrance multifaceted without merging the statements into a single perspective.

Community traditions are also associated with specific dates. Traditional rites for families in Isale-Ako were scheduled for 20 to 23 July 2024. The Isale-Ako community in Inisa scheduled Oje Day for 23 August 2024. Both dates refer to 2024 and therefore retain a clear timeframe.

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