Blankets

Original Basotho plaids from Africa

Basotho Heritage Blankets are very special blankets where history and tradition goes back more than 100 years. They are strong, warm and soft blankets created to last forever so it can be passed down in the family.

There are different symbols and stories for each model, so read more under each product.

The story

The Basotho Heritage Blanket was designed in a collaboration between King Moshesh, the founder of the proud Basotho nation, and Briton Donald Fraser. Since 1833, the Basotho people have settled in Lesotho around one of South Africa's highest mountains, Thabo Bosiu. It was in Lesotho that Donald Fraser's trading business began when he moved from England in 1876 and set up shop in 1877.

Donald Fraser was successful in Lesotho and earned the nickname Ramosa Le Ralipere, Father of Kindness, Father of Horses. In the 1880s he had the idea for the Basotho rugs, because the coarse, sexless rugs worn by the nation were not at all in keeping with the strong character and pride of the people. Thus the Moholobela rug was created. Translated into English, it means 'your friend', but the rug was also nicknamed the 'fertility rug' and symbolises the transition from child to adult.

Many have contributed to both the development and preservation of Basotho Tribal Blankets, and the eye-catching blankets have become a pervasive part of culture in Lesotho, where many shepherds wander the mountains wearing a warm Basotho Blanket. The blankets are also used for special occasions and ceremonies, and the type of design and colour varies from tribe to tribe. See them in use in the spectacular film Black Panther.

All rugs were previously produced in England, but production has moved to South Africa at Aranda Textile Mills.

Although Lesotho was founded by 14 different tribes in Africa, it is probably the only country in Africa united around one language - Sesotho - where South Africa has 11 official languages by comparison.

Charity

For every rug sold internationally, a percentage is donated directly to the organisation, Sentebale, which means 'forget me not'. The organisation helps and supports the most vulnerable children and HIV positive children in Lesotho.

The foundation was founded by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex in England and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso have been working together on charity for more than a decade, and Sentebale was founded as a tribute to Princess Diana and Seeiso's mother, Queen Mamohato, who also worked closely on charity for HIV and AIDS sufferers.

Material

The material is a combination of wool and dralon. The wool content is well compressed, so the blanket feels heavier and more substantial than many other wool blankets. At the same time it also makes it very soft and warm. Dralon has a water repellent property that makes it particularly suitable also as an outdoor rug when the dew falls.

It is therefore also ideal for outdoor use on early spring days, bright summer evenings and in late summer. It also makes a lovely blanket for the sofa and armchair, perfect for those cold winter days indoors.

The material is 50% wool and 50% dralon.

Measures 155 x 165 cm.

Basotho Seanamarena plaid blue red

€272,95 €163,95
Unavailable

Blankets

Original Basotho plaids from Africa

Basotho Heritage Blankets are very special blankets where history and tradition goes back more than 100 years. They are strong, warm and soft blankets created to last forever so it can be passed down in the family.

There are different symbols and stories for each model, so read more under each product.

The story

The Basotho Heritage Blanket was designed in a collaboration between King Moshesh, the founder of the proud Basotho nation, and Briton Donald Fraser. Since 1833, the Basotho people have settled in Lesotho around one of South Africa's highest mountains, Thabo Bosiu. It was in Lesotho that Donald Fraser's trading business began when he moved from England in 1876 and set up shop in 1877.

Donald Fraser was successful in Lesotho and earned the nickname Ramosa Le Ralipere, Father of Kindness, Father of Horses. In the 1880s he had the idea for the Basotho rugs, because the coarse, sexless rugs worn by the nation were not at all in keeping with the strong character and pride of the people. Thus the Moholobela rug was created. Translated into English, it means 'your friend', but the rug was also nicknamed the 'fertility rug' and symbolises the transition from child to adult.

Many have contributed to both the development and preservation of Basotho Tribal Blankets, and the eye-catching blankets have become a pervasive part of culture in Lesotho, where many shepherds wander the mountains wearing a warm Basotho Blanket. The blankets are also used for special occasions and ceremonies, and the type of design and colour varies from tribe to tribe. See them in use in the spectacular film Black Panther.

All rugs were previously produced in England, but production has moved to South Africa at Aranda Textile Mills.

Although Lesotho was founded by 14 different tribes in Africa, it is probably the only country in Africa united around one language - Sesotho - where South Africa has 11 official languages by comparison.

Charity

For every rug sold internationally, a percentage is donated directly to the organisation, Sentebale, which means 'forget me not'. The organisation helps and supports the most vulnerable children and HIV positive children in Lesotho.

The foundation was founded by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex in England and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso have been working together on charity for more than a decade, and Sentebale was founded as a tribute to Princess Diana and Seeiso's mother, Queen Mamohato, who also worked closely on charity for HIV and AIDS sufferers.

Material

The material is a combination of wool and dralon. The wool content is well compressed, so the blanket feels heavier and more substantial than many other wool blankets. At the same time it also makes it very soft and warm. Dralon has a water repellent property that makes it particularly suitable also as an outdoor rug when the dew falls.

It is therefore also ideal for outdoor use on early spring days, bright summer evenings and in late summer. It also makes a lovely blanket for the sofa and armchair, perfect for those cold winter days indoors.

The material is 50% wool and 50% dralon.

Measures 155 x 165 cm.

Ebelle quilted plaid

€285,95
Unavailable