Basotho Heritage Blankets (17)

Khosi Leteba, a furniture designer has now added the Bodulo blanket to his furniture collection and is available under the Young Basotho Designers Collection. Inspired by Litema, a form of Basotho mural art, the design tells the story of the Basotho people’s traditional lifestyle. The people are represented by the distinctive Basothohats. The mountains depict the landscape of Lesotho, known as the “Kingdom in the Sky”. The horses show the main mode of transport used between the mountain villages, where most people make a living through subsistence farming, represented by the crops. Size: 155x165cm Fabric: 50% Wool 50% Acrylic Care: The best way to wash is to hand wash with coarse salt (the salt removes the dirt and keeps the fabric soft). However, it can be washed in the washing machine at a cool temperature - do not exceed 30 degrees Celsius.

The Khotso Basotho blanket is an affordable version of the traditional blanket. The range includes the imagery well recognised in the traditional Seanamarena plus the iconic playing card spades and clubs. They are available in a series of colour combinations  Available Colours:  Ntjhe Poone - Pink & Blue Ntjhe Poone - Pink & Brown Ntjhe Poone - Peacock blue & Black  Ntjhe Poone - Cobolt blue & Black  Ntjhe Poone - Orange & Black Ntjhe Poone - Red & Black Ntjhe Poone - Green & Gold Size: 155x165 (smaller sizes for children are available on request) Fabric: 100% Acrylic Care: The best way to wash is to hand wash with coarse salt (the salt removes the dirt and keeps the fabric soft). However, it can be washed in the washing machine at a cool temperature - do not exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Have a look at our blog on the best way to care for your blanket

The traditional Seanamarena Chromatic. This is the original blanket, manufactured on behalf of the Kingdom of Lesotho by Aranda.  Available Colours:  Cobalt Blue / Black / Yolk Yellow stripe Brown / Pink / Peacock Blue stripe Peacock Blue / Black / Scarlet stripe Cobalt Blue / Scarlet / Black stripe Black / Red / White stripe Cobalt / Yolk / White stripe Size: 155x165 Fabric: 50% Wool 50% Draylon Acrylic Care: The best way to wash is to hand wash with coarse salt (the salt removes the dirt and keeps the fabric soft). However, it can be washed in the washing machine at a cool temperature - do not exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Have a look at our blog on the best way to care for your blanket

The word Sabole means sword and is the inspiration behind this design, which is part of the newly launched Young Basotho Designers Collection (YBDC).  Size: 155x165cm Fabric: 50% Wool 50% Acrylic Care: The best way to wash is to hand wash with coarse salt (the salt removes the dirt and keeps the fabric soft). However, it can be washed in the washing machine at a cool temperature - do not exceed 30 degrees Celsius.

This blanket is a symbol of the importance of the Cow to the Basotho community and shows the cows in the center and the step of the hoof around its design. It is with this blanket that we make a reminder that the Basotho are "ma ana khomo in the Lord" as they say; A cow follows the Lord, when it dawns in the village, we see each other!" The Basotho are a race that loves the cow in a perfect way and they use it in many things in their lives. This cow is used when families are reunited by way of marriage, and it is a boon to the Basotho community during famine because it provides meat, milk, and clothes with its cow as if it could not till the fields. At festivals and deaths, the Sotho slaughter a cow as a sign of gratitude and to accompany the deceased and cover him with its cow as a blanket for his last journey. When the chiefs don't agree, some of them beat and give a few cows (one of them is acceptable) according to tradition, which is a sign that the war is over. It stands for the methods that the first King Moshoeshoe used on his way to build the Basotho nation. The English proverb says; "The cow is a god with a wet nose" and this directly points to its importance in society. And the word about a cow is used as a greeting among the people, when someone hits them and says "Cows!" when he met people on the streets or in the city or even in the gathering of calls.   Size: 155x165cm Fabric: 50% Wool 50% Acrylic Care: The best way to wash is to hand wash with coarse salt (the salt removes the dirt and keeps the fabric soft). However, it can be washed in the washing machine at a cool temperature - do not exceed 30 degrees Celsius.

This blanket is a symbol of the importance of the Cow to the Basotho community and shows the cows in the center and the step of the hoof around its design. It is with this blanket that we make a reminder that the Basotho are "ma ana khomo in the Lord" as they say; A cow follows the Lord, when it dawns in the village, we see each other!" The Basotho are a race that loves the cow in a perfect way and they use it in many things in their lives. This cow is used when families are reunited by way of marriage, and it is a boon to the Basotho community during famine because it provides meat, milk, and clothes with its cow as if it could not till the fields. At festivals and deaths, the Sotho slaughter a cow as a sign of gratitude and to accompany the deceased and cover him with its cow as a blanket for his last journey. When the chiefs don't agree, some of them beat and give a few cows (one of them is acceptable) according to tradition, which is a sign that the war is over. It stands for the methods that the first King Moshoeshoe used on his way to build the Basotho nation. The English proverb says; "The cow is a god with a wet nose" and this directly points to its importance in society. And the word about a cow is used as a greeting among the people, when someone hits them and says "Cows!" when he met people on the streets or in the city or even in the gathering of calls.   Size: 155x165cm Fabric: 50% Wool 50% Acrylic Care: The best way to wash is to hand wash with coarse salt (the salt removes the dirt and keeps the fabric soft). However, it can be washed in the washing machine at a cool temperature - do not exceed 30 degrees Celsius.

Letsatsi means the Sun in Sesotho, which forms the centre of the blanket design. It is a universal and powerful symbol representing, life, energy and hope. Letsatsi is also the name of the designer’s father. The blanket features iconic motifs of the Basotho culture and is meant to serve as a way to teach people about the blanket wearing tradition, as well as their everyday life. Whether it is hot or cold, the blanket is worn and is seen as an integral part of a Basotho person’s outfit. A blanket is very important to this culture and it is highly valued throughout the year. Size: 155x165cm Fabric: 50% Wool 50% Acrylic Care: The best way to wash is to hand wash with coarse salt (the salt removes the dirt and keeps the fabric soft). However, it can be washed in the washing machine at a cool temperature - do not exceed 30 degrees Celsius.

The design is inspired by Ngoale. Ngoale is a Mosotho female who went to initiation school. Featured in the blanket, are the accessories and musical instrument used by initiates.  Likholokoane are the braided leloli ropes that accessorise the waist, Lesira accessorise the face and the Moropa is a drum the Ngoale dances to. The way all the elements are placed, creates the silhouette of a half star called Mochonono on either side of the blanket design. This means Basotho initiation schools should shine bright like a star for years to come. Size: 155x165cm Fabric: 50% Wool 50% Acrylic Care: The best way to wash is to hand wash with coarse salt (the salt removes the dirt and keeps the fabric soft). However, it can be washed in the washing machine at a cool temperature - do not exceed 30 degrees Celsius.

This blanket pays homage to Basotho women for their artistic use of Litema which are the geomatric patterns they use to decorate their huts. A man can build a house but only a woman can build a home. As a token of appreciation this design celebrates their strength, resilience and patience. The interlocking patterns signify how women hold our families together. The iconic maize which is Lesotho’s staple food has been placed at the centre of the design to tie together the old and new while showing how women are the backbones of our society. Size: 155x165cm Fabric: 50% Wool 50% Acrylic Care: The best way to wash is to hand wash with coarse salt (the salt removes the dirt and keeps the fabric soft). However, it can be washed in the washing machine at a cool temperature - do not exceed 30 degrees Celsius.

Size: 155x165cm Fabric: 50% Wool 50% Acrylic Care: The best way to wash is to hand wash with coarse salt (the salt removes the dirt and keeps the fabric soft). However, it can be washed in the washing machine at a cool temperature - do not exceed 30 degrees Celsius.

The Leisa blanket design draws its inspiration from Kamohelo "Leisa" Chabana's deep reverence for Basotho tradition, culture, and the rites of passage associated with initiation school. Portrayed within the design is the founder himself, captured in a touching moment post-initiation, holding a knobkierie in his right hand, accompanied by his faithful canine companions. A picture that reflects the pride and honour ‘Leisa’ feels during this important rite of passage into manhood. Size: 155x165cm Fabric: 50% Wool 50% Acrylic Care: The best way to wash is to hand wash with coarse salt (the salt removes the dirt and keeps the fabric soft). However, it can be washed in the washing machine at a cool temperature - do not exceed 30 degrees Celsius.

The Leisa blanket design draws its inspiration from Kamohelo "Leisa" Chabana's deep reverence for Basotho tradition, culture, and the rites of passage associated with initiation school. Portrayed within the design is the founder himself, captured in a touching moment post-initiation, holding a knobkierie in his right hand, accompanied by his faithful canine companions. A picture that reflects the pride and honour ‘Leisa’ feels during this important rite of passage into manhood. Size: 155x165cm Fabric: 50% Wool 50% Acrylic Care: The best way to wash is to hand wash with coarse salt (the salt removes the dirt and keeps the fabric soft). However, it can be washed in the washing machine at a cool temperature - do not exceed 30 degrees Celsius.

This blanket pays homage to Basotho women for their artistic use of Litema which are the geomatric patterns they use to decorate their huts. A man can build a house but only a woman can build a home. As a token of appreciation this design celebrates their strength, resilience and patience. The interlocking patterns signify how women hold our families together. The iconic maize which is Lesotho’s staple food has been placed at the centre of the design to tie together the old and new while showing how women are the backbones of our society. Size: 155x165cm Fabric: 50% Wool 50% Acrylic Care: The best way to wash is to hand wash with coarse salt (the salt removes the dirt and keeps the fabric soft). However, it can be washed in the washing machine at a cool temperature - do not exceed 30 degrees Celsius.

The Khotso Basotho blanket is an affordable version of the traditional blanket. The range includes the imagery well recognised in the traditional Seanamarena plus the iconic playing card spades and clubs. They are available in a series of colour combinations  Available Colours:  Ntjhe Poone - Pink & Blue Ntjhe Poone - Pink & Brown Ntjhe Poone - Peacock blue & Black  Ntjhe Poone - Cobolt blue & Black  Ntjhe Poone - Orange & Black Ntjhe Poone - Red & Black Ntjhe Poone - Green & Gold Size: 155x165 (smaller sizes for children are available on request) Fabric: 100% Acrylic Care: The best way to wash is to hand wash with coarse salt (the salt removes the dirt and keeps the fabric soft). However, it can be washed in the washing machine at a cool temperature - do not exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Have a look at our blog on the best way to care for your blanket

Mojafela (the heir) In 1860, King Moshoeshoe I, the founder of the kingdom of Lesotho, was given a wool blanket as a gift by Queen Victoria. He was very taken with it and soon abandoned his traditional leopard-skin kaross in favour of the blanket. In 1867, the Moshoeshoe approached Queen Victoria asking for Lesotho to become a British protectorate following skirmishes with Boers migrating Northwards into the interior. The crown represents the history between King Moshoeshoe and Queen Victoria and England. Available Colours:  Pink & Blue Pink & Brown Peacock blue & Black Cobalt blue & Black  Available Sizes: 155x165cm 110 x 130cm (Mini Kids) (smaller sizes for children are available on request) Fabric: 100% Acrylic Care: The best way to wash is to hand wash with course salt (the salt removes the dirt and keeps the fabric soft). However, it can be washed in the washing machine on a cool temperature - do not exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Have a look at our blog on the best way to care for your blanket

Mojafela (the heir) In 1860, King Moshoeshoe I, the founder of the kingdom of Lesotho, was given a wool blanket as a gift by Queen Victoria. He was very taken with it and soon abandoned his traditional leopard-skin kaross in favour of the blanket. In 1867, the Moshoeshoe approached Queen Victoria asking for Lesotho to become a British protectorate following skirmishes with Boers migrating Northwards into the interior. The crown represents the history between King Moshoeshoe and Queen Victoria and England. Available Colours:  Pink & Blue Pink & Brown Peacock blue & Black Cobalt blue & Black  Available Sizes: 155x165cm 110 x 130cm (Mini Kids) (smaller sizes for children are available on request) Fabric: 100% Acrylic Care: The best way to wash is to hand wash with course salt (the salt removes the dirt and keeps the fabric soft). However, it can be washed in the washing machine on a cool temperature - do not exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Have a look at our blog on the best way to care for your blanket

Alice Bereng, born in Lesotho now living in North America, originally focused her career on the hair and make-up industry, culminating in the founding of the Semaj Salon in 2006. Years later, Alice rediscovered her passion for fashion design and went onto establish her own clothing brand called HIS HER-itage. This brand is inspired by the iconic Basotho Heritage blankets.  The story behind her blanket "Diaspora" I AM DIASPORA Yes, I was never forgotten Cause I am DIASPORA I can see I can feel I can breath I wrap I lay down With a blanket Cause I am DIASPORA I dream About a blanket So, I painted a blanket With diamonds on it Royalty indeed Yes, I am DIASPORA   Available colours:  Black Natural Royal Blue / Peacock Blue Royal Blue / Yolk Yellow Size: 155x165cm Fabric: 50% Wool 50% Draylon Acrylic Care: The best way to wash is to hand wash with coarse salt (the salt removes the dirt and keeps the fabric soft). However, it can be washed in the washing machine at a cool temperature - do not exceed 30 degrees Celsius.