The secret of Basotho blankets

15/2/2012

By Roxanne Reid
You can’t go far in Lesotho without seeing people wrapped in colourful Basotho blankets, or blankets spread out on rocks and bushes to dry after rain. So when someone offers you a peek into their secret language, you don’t refuse.

As a Basotho blanket ambassador, ’M’e ’Masetho Elizabeth Letsi gives a ‘blanket presentation’ to anyone who visits Semonkong and shows an interest.

Read my blog post for Getaway magazine to learn about the history of the blanket, the different types and qualities, as well as how much you can learn about people just by looking at their blanket and how it's worn.

To find out more, ask at Semonkong Lodge.

More about Lesotho

Copyright © Roxanne Reid - No words or photographs on this site may be used without permission from roxannereid.co.za

12 Comments

Jane

19/2/2012 08:49:29 am

Fansinating! Next time I visit I will look at them more carefully. I really enjoy your blog. It encourages me to travel, like you do. Well now I will just have to travel through your blogs. Keep them rolling. Jane

Roxanne

19/2/2012 09:45:24 am

Thanks for your kind words, Jane. Yes, I love both real-life travel and armchair travel!

stoffel

17/3/2013 01:54:33 pm

how do i get hold of mme Masetho

Roxanne

16/4/2013 11:12:12 am

Sorry for the delayed reply, Stoffel - the server put your comment in the spam folder for some reason.
The best way to contact her would be to email Semonkong Lodge, [email protected] and they will pass on a message to her.

setho letsie

19/8/2016 03:25:11 pm

you visit lesotho and from there you may call this numbers +26653739716/+26657236187 or follow me @milo letsie on facebook and we will accomodate you in our place or you may visit semonkong lodge

Lerato Kherehloa

16/4/2013 07:07:13 am

Wow, thank you Roxanne for this information, i have learned so much regarding sesotho especially the Basotho blankets, i wanted to buy ablanket but after i went to the shop and saw that there are different names i had to find the meanings before buying a suitable blanket for me.

Roxanne

16/4/2013 11:07:51 am

Hope you found the perfect one, Lerato!

Sue Greenberg

1/3/2015 08:45:00 pm

Where can one see a selection of the blankets for sale ?

Roxanne

4/3/2015 12:06:22 am

Sue, in Lesotho just about every general dealer has a selection, even on the deep rural areas. On South Africa you could perhaps Google the Aranda factory in Port Elizabeth and see if they have a selection on display for people to buy.

Claire link

28/7/2015 04:14:17 am

Hi, these blankets are just amazing. I fell in love with them too and actually started an online shop to share them with the world. So if anyone is looking to buy one, you can find them at www.blanketsandweaves.co.za

Roxanne link

29/7/2015 02:48:11 am

Good to know, Claire!

Msu link

25/5/2024 12:28:02 am

What a fascinating glimpse into the vibrant culture of Lesotho! Roxanne, your post beautifully captures the significance of Basotho blankets beyond their practical use. They are indeed a rich tapestry of history and identity. ’M’e ’Masetho Elizabeth Letsi’s role as a Basotho blanket ambassador is truly commendable, offering visitors a unique opportunity to understand the intricate "secret language" of these blankets. Your piece makes me eager to visit Semonkong Lodge and experience this cultural immersion firsthand. I also came across a website, Moetlo, that celebrates the beauty of the Basotho blanket. Thank you for shedding light on this remarkable tradition!

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The secret of Basotho blankets

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