Lesotho

The Block

A shepherd, dressed in customary mountain clothing, tends his flock of sheep in this appliquéd and embroidered depiction of Basotho rural life made by the Matsieng Quilters. Created from traditional sheshoeshoe (pronounced ‘sh-shway-shway’) cloth, the background of mountainous terrain reflects the country’s nickname––the ‘Switzerland of Africa’–– The foreground of the outline-quilted scene exemplifies Lesotho’s agricultural way of life, in which livestock form the mainstay of the people’s existence.

As part of his attire the herder wears a mokorotlo (Basotho hat), a distinctive cone-shaped, loop-topped hat that is the recognized symbol of the country. These hats, woven from loti grass on a frame of moseha grass, are believed to have been inspired by the profile of Mount Qiloane. They are worn by Lesotho heads of state on international visits, as well as by the nation’s Olympic team. Roofs of traditional huts, like those portrayed on the block, are also constructed in this unique shape, as is ‘The Basotho Hat,’ a modern building that houses the country’s handcraft centre.

Cultural Profile

Lesotho (formerly Basutoland) is a small land-locked kingdom, bordered on all sides by the Republic of South Africa. It is one of only three nations in the world that is completely surrounded by a single country (the others are San Marino and Vatican City). The entirety of Lesotho’s terrain exceeds 1000 metres (3280 feet) above sea level which explains why it is known to tourists as ‘The Kingdom in the Sky.’ The country even boasts a ski resort, a rarity on the continent. The majority of the nation’s inhabitants are Basotho (a division of the Sotho ethnic group), although there are small European and Asian communities as well. The official languages are Sotho (Sesotho) and English, with Zulu and other native tongues spoken by minority groups.

Many of Lesotho’s traditional customs have endured because they still relate to their daily lives. Customs, rites and superstitions have important roles within village culture, which is dominated by basic agricultural tasks. Music and dance are also integral parts of life, both daily and ceremonially. Typical instruments include the lekolulo, similar to a flute, and letsiba, a wind instrument that the player also uses as a vocalization ‘amplifier’, the stringed thomo ,played mainly by women, and the setolo-tolo, played by mouth primarily by men. Traditional dances, such as the gum-boot dance and the lefela reveal a blending of cultural influences.

The mokhoros dotting the country side are also emblematic of the country. These round houses, crowned with conical thatched roofs, often feature litema, complex geometric designs etched on their outside mud-covered walls.

Basotho (people of Lesotho) are well-known for their traditional crafts, such as fine hand-woven wool and mohair tapestries that are noted for their beauty, softness and strength. Other craftwork includes jewelry making, which is often decorated with local seeds and stones, carved calabashes, woodcarvings, and pottery that demonstrates the skills and creative flair of the potter. Basotho are also known for the colourful wool blankets they to wrap around themselves to protect against the cold and wind, which can be fierce due to the high of the altitude.

People have been coming to Canada from Lesotho for a number of years, often in search of a better life for themselves and their families. Many, including the current Prime Minister (Bethuel Pakalitha Mosisili), have been educated in Canada.

Sponsor: Sue and David Harrington