Moritsoana Aqua/Yellow (YBDC Fashion Collection)

Masikane Masike is a born and bred Mosotho artist from Maseru, Lesotho. He is an accomplished designer from humble beginnings with deep spiritual beliefs in a higher power as well as the ancestors. As a designer he is motivated by the rich culture and history of the Basotho nation.  He is a cultural performance artist and activist.

This shawl is named after a Basotho pail made of baked clay that Mosotho oa Khale (ancient Mosotho) used to store water, milk or Sotho beer as part of their daily life.  One of the old indigenous cultural practices involved a young man using a Moritsoana to convey to the elders his readiness to marry. He will wake up early in the morning, and take all the cattle to the field, while everyone else is still sleeping. He leaves the home without filling the Moritsoana with milk, which is unusual. This act conveys a message to the elders that this Mosotho young man is ready for marriage. This is well captured by the expression ‘Moshanyana u rahile Moritsoana’, loosely translated meaning, the young man has kicked the pail. In the afternoon when he returns home the elders will ask him whose daughter has caught his eye. After negotiations, the arrangement for the marriage is made. This is one of the indigenous practices that still exists in Lesotho.  

Composition: 100% Super soft acrylic

Wash Care Instructions:
Cold wash
Do not bleach
Do not iron
Do not dry clean
Do not tumble dry
Keep away from fire