Basotho Heritage (5)

The Victoria England is the oldest of the Basotho blanket brands. In 1897 Queen Victoria visited the then Basutoland during her Jubilee year. She gave King Lerotholi Letsie a blanket as a gift. He draped the blanket, poncho-style, over his shoulders and so began the blanket-wearing tradition. The blanket was named Victoria England. The Basotho people had a great love and respect for Queen Victoria and the Victoria England blanket has become a sought-after status symbol. There are six designs in the Victoria Collection: Pelo-Ha-Morena (Heart of the King); Crown; Badges of the Brave; Lehlako (Crest); Skin; Malakabe (Flame). It deeply celebrates bravery, power, and conquest. The blanket, called “Badges of the Brave”, depicts thirteen iconic and meaningful emblems associated with the brave Forces.  Available designs:  Red and Gold Yellow and Black  Black and Blue 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.

The traditional Seanamarena Chromatic. This is the original blanket, manufactured on behalf of the Kingdom of Lesotho by Aranda.  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 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 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.

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.