The Basotho blankets are gaining world wide recognition “You have to know the history behind each pattern and why is that pattern there and what happened in Lesotho, You have to know your history in order to understand your future,” says Elizabeth as she explains the various blankets. The most popular Victoria England blanket is the Spitfire – this blanket was introduced after the Basotho people had collected enough money to pay for 25 Spitfire planes that flew for the Royal Air Force during World War 2.

The relationship between Britain and Lesotho is reflected in the so-called “Victoria England” series of blankets, first released in 1897 to mark Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee.

Nearly all of Elizabeth’s blankets are first class ones – such as the Moshoeshoe blanket, named after the founder king. King Moshoeshoe, made the Basotho blankets popularīasotho blankets come in three different classes, ranging from acrylic to the Royal Quality ones made of pure wool and cotton. Needing protection in a chilly climate, Moshoeshoe’s subjects soon imitated him – and the stamp of royal approval put the Lesotho tradition in motion. Skins had however become harder to find because of population growth, hunting and animal epidemics at the time. Howell” The king started wearing it around his shoulders in the same way the indigenous groups of Southern Africa had traditionally worn animal skins against the cold. Elizabeth Masetho giving a talk to tourists about the Basotho blankets.Īccording to local legend, the first blanket was given to King Moshoeshoe sometime in the 1870s by a British trader only known as “Mr. Each of these women in their own way strives to keep the culture of Basotho blankets alive. Libuseng Titi is a blanket designer who runs her own blanket store. Traditionally Basotho blankets are manufactured from wool which offers protection from the wind and rain and provides warmth in the high altitude of The Mountain Kingdom.įor two Lesotho women, Elizabeth Masetho and Libuseng Titi, these blankets mean more to them than just a beautiful cover up.Įlizabeth Masetho, works as a waitress and a cultural activist in Semonkong lodge, she gives presentations on the history and meaning of the Basotho blankets. These blankets are built to last a lifetime. Basotho blankets are an essential part of all important life events in both urban and rural settings. These blankets are an essential part of all important life events in both urban and rural settings. The colorful blankets not only act as a barrier to the cold, but also as a status symbol and cultural identification. In the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, enclosed on all sides by South Africa, Basotho blankets are a common part of daily wear.

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