R6095/2 Textile; Blanket

square green and yellow basotho blanket with a design of corncobs and crowns

Basotho blanket (Museum Accession Number R6095/2)

This thick blanket is an iconic textile in southern Africa. Originating in Lesotho, they are associated with King Moshoeshoe I (c. 1786 – 1870) who was also responsible for popularising shweshwe fabric. Basotho blankets are worn around the shoulders secured with a large pin, reminescent of the way in which Sotho men would have traditionally worn a kaross (animal skin shawl). The blankets are now produced in South Africa by Aranda Textile Mills. This blanket is from Aranda’s ‘Mini Khotso’ range. Described as an entry level blanket, it is made of acrylic rather than the traditional wool and comes in a smaller size for children. Collected as part of the Fashioning Africa project.

Creator: Aranda Textile Mills

Place: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, Africa

Date: 2010s

green and yellow basotho blanket styled on a mannequin, worn on the shoulders

Basotho blanket (Museum Accession Number R6095/2) styled a a mannequin.