Basotho Blanket (kobo)

The traditional Basotho home is rounded style hut with low doorway thatched roof court yard fenced off by a grass door (tswhala). Women would decorate and paint the outside with striking geometric patterns and designs known as litema a word derived from ho lema, meaning to caltivate. Later those designs were transferred to head work , braided hairstyles and most importantly to the BLANKET.

The traditional Sotho blanket is the most significant icon of Basotho Culture,  these are made in many colours and intricately patterned blankets continue to hold much significance for even modern Basotho many Basotho still true to the traditions of the post are distinguished by the blankets they wear over thier shoulders as well as by the design on thier straw hats the design of the Basotho straw hat indicate the status of man.

The Basitho regard thier blanket as life "kobo ke bophelo" and wear them in hot weather today these tribal blankets keeps the body at an even temperature,  does no absorb water and its tolerant of open fires.

The Basotho blanket has its range of functions and social meanings and carries with it many traditions and customs. The blanket is used to carry a young child on a mothers back reflects social standing the geographical origin of the Basotho.
Young male initiates wear the sesecha blanket which means "brand new" as it resembles the trational leopard-skin kaross thus symbolises royalty,  strength and wisdom.

The most meaningful role of the blanket is its use in all rites of passage and as a status symbol. When young boys into retreat to prepare circumcision he wears a special blanket called moholobela. After the ceremony he is entitled to another blanket called the lekhokolo as a proof that he would present his wife with a blanket and a wear a specific to identify him as a married man.

 Significance of the blanket is as an attribute to nationality and the pride of being Basotho people.

   The Basotho people wearing Blanket costume representing their culture.

Basotho people being proud of thier culture.

Basotho boys on initiation.