People & Culture

Arts and Crafts of the Basotho

Basotho people are renowned for their crafts. Traditional products have a reputation for quality, individuality and variety. They have a universal appeal, and have helped to give Lesotho a strong identity. They all make wonderful souvenirs of a visit to Lesotho.

Lesotho has a justifiable reputation for its fine wool and mohair weaving. Tapestries, which are completely hand-woven, are works of art that display their own unique character, and are noted for their beauty, softness and strength. The artistic talent of many Basotho women also finds expression in the fine knitwear including pullovers, scarves and other personal items.

The herds of sheep and goats that roam the hillsides provide the skins and hides for an abundant supply of sheepskin products. These include warm and comfortable slippers and jackets, whole skins and much more. In addition, the ready supply of hides provides leather for excellent leather goods such as bags, belts and small gift items.

Wooven reeds and grasses are also important. The traditional Basotho Hat called mokorotlo is the best known of a fine range of grass-works made in Lesotho. Its conical shape is seen everywhere in the kingdom, and is the recognised symbol of the country. The hat's shape was inspired by the profile of Mount Qiloane, the legendary conical mountain close to Thaba Bosiu, and described by Masupha as Mother and Father.

Other fine souvenirs include locally made gold and silver jewellery (often decorated with local seeds and stones), and local pottery that demonstrates the skills and creative art of the village potter.

Visit handicraft centres in Maseru, Teya-Teyaneng and Leribe. Postage by surface mail overseas is reasonable and fairly reliable, so it is possible to buy, have the goods wrapped, and then send them home.

Art zg-img_1438-lesotho,-maleal.jpg Craft Centre de-dscn0086-craft-centre.jpg Wooven Crafts