Basotho used cattle to plough; when they get married they pay with cows and use them for milking. With the cows skin they make shoes which are called Lifatla and blankets which called "cow blanket" or kobo ea khomo. When someone has died in the community they slaughter a cow as part of the grievance ceremony.
In Basotho culture, cattle hold significant cultural, economic, and social roles. They are a symbol of wealth and status, often used in traditional ceremonies and as bride price during marriages. Cattle also serve practical purposes, providing milk, meat, and labor for farming. Additionally, they are integral to the community's identity and heritage, often featured in folklore and rituals.
The sons of Moshoeshoe I, the founder of the Basotho nation in present-day Lesotho, include several notable figures such as Letsie I, who succeeded him as king, and his other sons, like Moshesh and Mothusi. These leaders played significant roles in the consolidation of Basotho culture and governance during and after Moshoeshoe I's reign in the 19th century. Their leadership helped shape the political landscape of Lesotho and the preservation of its heritage.
Basotho National Party was created in 1959.
All Basotho Convention was created in 2006.
Basotho Batho Democratic Party was created in 2006.
King Moshoeshoe I, the founder of the Basotho nation, had several wives during his lifetime, with the most notable being 'Mannete, 'Makoena, and 'Mamphela. Each of these wives played significant roles in the social and political structures of the Basotho people. Moshoeshoe's marriages were strategic, helping to forge alliances and strengthen his leadership among various clans. As a result, his wives contributed to the unification and stability of the Basotho kingdom.
The Basotho blanket is called a "Mokorotlo." It is a traditional woolen blanket worn by the Basotho people of Lesotho and is known for its distinctive patterns and vibrant colors. These blankets are not only functional for warmth but also carry cultural significance, often symbolizing identity and heritage within Basotho society.
The traditional dress of the Basotho, particularly the Basotho blanket, is well-suited to their climatic conditions, which can be quite cold, especially in the highlands. Made from wool, the blanket provides warmth and insulation during chilly nights and winter months. Additionally, the vibrant colors and patterns of the blanket reflect the cultural identity of the Basotho people, while also being practical for everyday wear. This combination of functionality and cultural significance makes the traditional dress an ideal choice for their environment.
Pampas.
While exact numbers are difficult to determine, it's estimated that around 25% of cowboys during the cattle drive era were Black. Many formerly enslaved individuals and free Black men took on roles as cowboys, contributing significantly to the cattle industry and shaping the culture of the American West. Their stories often remain underrepresented in popular narratives about the cowboy era.
A Basuto is a member of the Basotho people inhabiting modernday Lesotho.
The Gaelic word for cattle is "bó" in Irish Gaelic and "bò" in Scottish Gaelic. These terms are used to refer to cows in both languages, reflecting the importance of cattle in Gaelic culture and agriculture.