Basotho

Basotho The Basotho are a Bantu ethnic group native to Lesotho and South Africa. They speak Sesotho, which is one of the official languages of both countries. The Basotho people are known for their rich cultural heritage, traditional attire, and historical significance in Southern Africa.

History

The Basotho nation was founded by King Moshoeshoe I in the early 19th century. He united various clans and established the Kingdom of Lesotho, which became a refuge for people fleeing the Mfecane wars. The strategic location of Lesotho in the Drakensberg Mountains provided natural defense against invaders.

Culture

The Basotho culture is characterized by its unique traditions, music, and dance. The Basotho blanket is a distinctive feature of their attire, often worn during important ceremonies and daily life. Traditional music includes instruments like the lesiba and setolo-tolo, and dances such as the mokhibo and ndlamo.

Language

The primary language spoken by the Basotho is Sesotho, a Bantu language. It is one of the 11 official languages of South Africa and the national language of Lesotho. Sesotho has a rich oral tradition, including proverbs, folktales, and praise poetry.

Religion

The Basotho people practice a mix of traditional African religions and Christianity. Traditional beliefs include the worship of ancestors and the use of traditional healers, known as sangomas. Christianity was introduced by missionaries in the 19th century and has since become widespread.

Economy

The economy of the Basotho people is traditionally based on agriculture and livestock farming. Crops such as maize, sorghum, and wheat are commonly grown. Many Basotho men work in South African mines, sending remittances back to their families in Lesotho.

Notable Basotho

• King Moshoeshoe I - Founder of the Basotho nation.
• King Letsie III - Current king of Lesotho.
• Thomas Mofolo - Renowned Basotho author.

Related Pages

• Lesotho
• Sesotho language
• Mfecane
• Drakensberg Mountains
• Sangoma