The movie Black Panther may have made these beautiful “African blankets” world-famous, but the beauty in the Basotho blanket is found in its history and in its cultural significance among the Basotho people of Lesotho and South Africa. Nini Klass, one of the fabulous members of the Sparrow Society family in South Africa, shares with us the meaning and history behind these blankets that form such an integral part of her culture. They aren’t just to keep us warm. And they certainly aren’t just a fashion trend. To be robed, or not to be. That is the Question… There is something quite majestic about the Basotho blanket. This blanket is adorned by the Basotho people and one of the boastful markers of their culture. The British first gifted the Kingdom of Lesotho’s royalty the blanket, named after their then Queen (Victoria England blanket). These blankets have then become more than just a 19th century gift and a sign of solidarity between the two nations, but a symbol of culture and identity for the Basotho people. Not only do Basotho of the Kingdom of Lesotho wear it, but Basotho people of South Africa also gladly drape the blanket on, identifying with sesotho culture. One of the beautiful things is that, it is in special occasions that the blankets are exchanged. Wedding and marriage ceremonies always include a blanket gift between both families. In particular, the new bride receives her blanket from her new family (husband’s family) as a way of saying she is now part of the family. They are gifts to mark special occasions, but some blankets are made for everyday wear. Yes, you read that right! You can live your everyday life in a blanket… in public! Worn all year round, the blanket is not a seasonal piece of attire. The hottest day of the year in Lesotho will still probably include a sighting of a person wearing a blanket! It represents a greater sense of being, status and pride for Basotho. Because of this high esteem regarding the blanket, a gift of a Basotho blanket is of great value. It not only shows the value one places on the person receiving the blanket, but it also shows a sense of acceptance. It is a gesture of saying you are embraced and culturally welcomed by Basotho. What this means is that, the blanket is like a luxury item when worn. Never can anyone question a person wearing a Basotho blanket in the heat of summer, because it is not a winter or weather item! It does not function as another layer of clothing. It does not only cover the body, but covers the question of identity – Who am I? What do I embrace? What do I identify myself with? Who do I identify myself as? Also though, it does function as a glorious coat! 🙂