by Chris Allan
Nestled in the heart of Southern Africa lies the Kingdom of Lesotho, a country steeped in rich cultural traditions and breathtaking landscapes. The symbolic significance of the Basotho blanket stands out as an enduring symbol of pride, heritage, and identity in these cultural traditions.
I was recently given this amazing opportunity by Aranda Textile Mills to travel to Lesotho and capture these culturally rich and world-renowned blankets in visually captivating locations within the mountain kingdom for a series of photographic shoots. Our goal was to celebrate the Basotho culture, blanket, and the mountainous terrain where they originated from.
The Basotho blanket has been an integral part of Basotho culture for generations, each pattern and design carrying its unique symbolism and meaning. Traditionally, the blankets were gifted to men as a rite of passage, symbolising their transition into manhood and responsibilities within the community. For women, the blankets were often exchanged during significant life events, including marriages and other celebratory occasions.
Beyond their decorative purpose, Basotho blankets also serve a practical function, providing warmth and protection against the harsh highland climate. They are woven from fine wool, and crafted with care by Aranda Textile Mills.
As we drove through the border from South Africa, we amused ourselves by spotting different types of blankets in the passing rural villages worn by different age groups and often in different ways depending on whether its primary purpose was fashion or a more practical pursuit. Shepherds, travellers, young men and old, there were blankets so old and frayed and still being worn, and there were bright new designs being worn proudly wherever we looked.
Our first location was in a trendy bar and restaurant on the outskirts of Maseru named Cafe What?. Hidden away on the busy, dusty streets in a semi-industrial area, it presented a haven of art, music and good times. It was the perfect backdrop for a series of shots of the modern Basotho. Jazz music played softly and beer kegs were wheeled across the background of our new set as the bar slowly prepared itself for the next evening of recreation.
Conversations in the bar between musicians, Rastafarians, photographers, models and blanket designers, touched on why modern Basotho people continue to use these blankets. Has the rapid pace of contemporary life led to some aspects of cultural significance fading away? Or maybe the youth are striving for individuality and authenticity in an increasingly homogenous world, and we might see a rapid uptake in modern Basotho cultural fashion.
Either way, perhaps these photos would create conversations between elders and the youth, ensuring that the stories and meanings behind each pattern endure for generations to come.
With this in mind, we threw ourselves into another location in the middle of Maseru and used the cityscapes on offer to add more modern images to the mix, much to the amusement and fascination of the shop owners and passersby.
Eventually, however, it was with relief that we retreated once again to the more peaceful outskirts and up to the escarpment overlooking the city bowl to shoot with the sun putting out a misty glow as it set through the thin, high-altitude cloud cover.
The setting was dreamy and the photos equally so with landscape blankets and models all fitting beautifully into our cultural, historical experience of the mountain kingdom.
The last stop on our tour was Thaba Bosiu. The cultural village there had more stories to tell than this short post can handle. Suffice to say that it was fascinating and offered a plethora of great backgrounds for our models.
Last, but not least, was the mountain top above the village where King Moshoeshoe finally addressed the tribes that had followed him on his over 100km walk and which brought them together to form the peaceful Nation of Basotho. The sunset was breathtaking. And the moment brought a poignant end to our shoot, with high fives and sighs.
The Basotho blanket represents more than just a piece of fabric; it embodies the soul of Basotho culture, connecting its people to their roots and traditions. By taking a culturally important blanket to these important locations in Lesotho for this series of photographic shoots, we celebrated the heritage, history, and symbolism woven into this iconic garment. We wanted to capture images during this experience that had the power to ignite a renewed sense of cultural pride, preserve ancestral knowledge and celebrate a colourful, vibrant African garment.
-END-
About Chris Allan Photography: Content creating professional. Working on contract, freelance, in KZN, JHB, up Africa/abroad. Always open to ideas, great projects and good people. www.chrisallanphoto.co.za
