The Basotho blanket is a distinctive form of woollen blanket commonly worn by Sotho people in Lesotho and South Africa. [1] History Originally gifted to the then ruler King Moshoeshoe I by a British man known only as "Mr Howell" in the late 19th century, [2] these blankets quickly gained popularity in the Lesotho region. The Basotho blanket is woven into the culture and fabric of the Basotho nation. The blanket is a symbol of "The Mountain Kingdom" or "Roof of Africa", as Lesotho is affectionately known. Read on to discover more about its history, design & fabric. What the Basotho Blanket means to the Basotho Nation
Basotho blanket from Lesotho01 TRUSTED CRAFT DESIGN
Blankets are worn with their stripes always in a vertical position, symbolizing growth and prosperity The blanket should be folded at the top, and adjusted to the right size The Basotho blanket is worn in all circumstances and the most humble surroundings, as well as in the most important places. Men and women of the Basotho nation wear their Basotho blankets differently, but this does not alter the significance of the blanket itself. Basotho Wool Blanket - Salmon $ 249.00 $ 211.65 See Product Basotho Wool Blanket - Black/White $ 249.00 $ 211.65 See Product Basotho Wool Blanket - Black/Peacock $ 186.00 $ 158.10 See Product What Is A Basotho Blanket? In the tiny Southern African country of Lesotho, there is a strong textile tradition that manifests in the Basotho Blanket. This flamboyant yet functional garment is iconic and in this post, I'll explain why it is used and what it means. November 1, 2010 Nowadays the Basotho tribal blanket ( Seanamarena) is such a common sight in Lesotho, that tourists tend to assume that it was a local invention. However, its origins can be traced back to the European traders and missionaries as far back as the 1800s.
Authentic Basotho Heritage Wool Blanket kharetsa Salmon Etsy
The blanket not only protects the Basotho people from harsh cold weather, but is also worn as a status symbol and cultural identification. Usually it is made of pure wool and keeps the body at an even temperature in the cold. However many Basotho people wear blankets at all times of the year, even when the weather is really hot. Basotho blankets in pop culture and controversy (Louis Vitton and Black Panther) While the Basotho blanket is equated with the Kingdom of Lesotho, the style has made its way out of the country, to both controversy and praise. Louis Vitton visited Lesotho and was inspired by the blankets. Basotho Heritage Blankets, despite being largely unavailable outside of Africa for their 100-year-plus existence, are of such quality and have such a colorful, storied history that they are. The Basotho blanket is a distinctive form of woollen blanket commonly worn by Sotho people in the Lesotho and South Africa According to Aranda.co.za, What makes the Basotho blankets unique is the layout of the design, the various symbols used, the bold colour combinations and the characteristic pin-stripe.
Beautiful 'Basotho Blanket' Patterns from the Lesotho culture
Thula Tula®| Authentic Traditional African Basotho Blankets and Throws Winter Just got Cozy up to 50% off Unbeatable Deals You Can't Miss Bundle up this winter Gifting Sale Mudcloth Throw 34 reviews $103.20 $129.00 Sale Xhosa Stripe Throw 27 reviews $62.30 $89.00 Sale Kente Throw 20 reviews $126.65 $149.00 Sale Protea Pinstripe Throw 15 reviews 4. The corn cob is the most commonly used symbol on the different brands of the Basotho heritage blankets, particularly the Seana Marena, Sefate, and Poone. It is a symbol of fertility and wealth. 5. Basotho blankets are manufactured from wool (at least 90% wool) making them very effective in protecting the wearer from the wind, cold and rain.
The origin of the Basotho blanket goes back over a century. In 1860, King Moshoeshoe I, the founder of of Lesotho, was given a wool blanket as a gift. The King loved the blanket so much, he abandoned his traditional leopard-skin kaross in favour of the blanket. The Basotho people soon followed suit and to this day the blanket is an inherent. Basotho blankets and other African ethnic items formed part of the imagery of what that enthralling, rich, futuristic, high-tech, and powerful African nation would look like. At the same time, the film proved the value of the blankets beyond a specific time and place, both in the way they were depicted in their traditionally worn style and in.
Authentic Seannamarena Basotho Heritage Wool Blanket Etsy Basotho
The world renowned Basotho tribal blankets distinguish this nation from others by the way in which the blankets are worn as part of their everyday life. History of the Blanket Basotho Heritage Blanket Collection Kharetsa - Aloe | Black/Natural/Cobalt R 1,600.00 R 1,425.00 Sale Victoria England - Badges of the Brave | Cobalt/Yolk The Basotho Blanket is the characteristic daily dress of the Basotho, the peoples of Lesotho, a small country entirely landlocked by South Africa. These blankets act simultaneously as the brand identity of a nation, its cultural symbol, practical attire and the assimilation and then transformation of a colonial legacy.
