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- ‘Sutha ke Fete’ marks the first Basotho blanket exhibition in the Western Cape, which is currently on display.
- The different Basotho Blanket collections showcase traditional and modern designs, celebrating Basotho identity.
- The blankets, with roots dating back 160 years, include the Seanamarena collection, original Victorian designs and other contemporary creations.
- For more lifestyle news, go to the News24 Life front page.
The Western Cape recently witnessed its very first exhibition of the iconic Basotho blanket, showcasing unique designs of traditional and contemporary blankets worn by Sesotho people.
Dubbed 'Sutha ke Fete', which means "make way so I may pass" in Sesotho, the collection was launched and exhibited at the Sanlam Art Gallery in Bellville early in March.
The blanket collection features heritage blankets on loan from the National Museum and some 26 other Basotho Blankets from the Sanlam Art Collection, with various offerings from companies like Aranda.
The aim of the exhibition, which runs from 20 March to 14 June 2024, is to celebrate the stories of the blankets, which have become entrenched in the identity of the Basotho tribe, both in South Africa and Lesotho.
According to Sanlam, the blankets featured in the exhibition hold a rich history spanning 160 years, originating from Yorkshire, England, and making their way to Basutoland (now Lesotho) via various African destinations.
Their intricate patterns, made possible by the Jacquard weaving machine, reflect a fusion of African and English narratives.
Introduced to Basotho culture in 1845, the blankets have been around for generations, with designs like the 'Victoria England' remaining iconic.
"Every unique design tells a story while weaving together an overarching commentary on the political, cultural, and economic development of our nation.
"We’re proud to be holding the first-ever exhibition of these cultural icons outside of the Oliewenhuis Art Museum showing in Bloemfontein in 2014. It's an honour to be showing such a comprehensive collection, bolstered by loans of never-before-seen blankets from private collections," said Karl Socikwa, Sanlam Group Executive: Market Development.
Here are some of the collections and the stories behind the blankets
Seanamarena
The Seanamarena blankets, which mean "We have the honour to swear by the chiefs," go as far back as the early 20th century.
Because of their connection with royalty and chiefs, these blankets have gained a lot of popularity and have remained in demand for over a hundred years.
The first Seanamarena blankets, called the Poone, were created by Olive Robertson, who, along with her husband, operated a trading store in Leribe.
Charles later designed a second version of the Seanamarena called the Chromatic, named after his initials, C.H. Roberts.
Victoria England Blankets
Skin
The Victoria England Skin design showcases a leopard skin pattern. While it's early versions displayed the face of a leopard hidden in the patterning, later versions have a more simplified design and have lost this hidden element. The basic pattern and the orange, yellow and black colourway remain distinctive.
Badges of the Brave:
Badges of the Brave was originally designed in honour of the British and Allied forces who fought in the Second World War. Designed in 1947 by R.D. Shrubsole of the Wormalds and Walker blanket mill, the blanket includes emblems of thirteen different military forces and regiments.
Lehlako (Crest)
In 1925, Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) visited Lesotho on a tour of the Southern part of Africa. The Crest motif began to appear on blankets following this visit. It is also sometimes called Lesiba (feathers) or Lehlako (leaf).
Malakabe (Flame)
Flame, resembling the flames of a fire, is also called 'Mamohato after Lesotho's Queen 'Mamohato, who influenced the design of this blanket in the 1980s. In 1989, King Moshoeshoe II wore a Flame blanket when inaugurating Prince Mohato as the principal chief of Matsieng.
Pelo-Ha-Morena (Heart of the King)
The heart and fleur-de-lis patterns in this blanket are often also found in litema, the traditional practice of decorating the walls of houses using mud and natural plasters.
Young Basotho Designers Collection
Manoti a Koriana
This blanket is designed by rapper and songwriter Thaabe Letsie, known as Megahertz/ Ntate Stunna. The blanket draws together Letsie’s love of Famo music – the iconic sound of Lesotho's migrant labourers – alongside hip-hop and fashion.
Diaspora Diamonds
Alice Bereng is a fashion designer and creator of the brand HIS HER-itage, inspired by Lesotho's blanket traditions. Diaspora Diamonds reflect Lesotho’s natural wealth and beauty.
Diaspora Maize
Bereng's second blanket, Diaspora Maize, is an alternative Diaspora design.
Lithota
Also designed by Material Don Dada, Lithota means "plains", referring to the idea of a traveller crossing a landscape.
Majaba-jaba
Majaba-jaba is a design rooted in love. Designer Mokete Mohapi created this blanket as a tribute to his wife, Mojabeng Mamatiti Mohapi.
The exhibition runs from 20 March to 14 June at the Sanlam Art Gallery in Bellville. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 16:30.
