African tribe of the week: the Sotho people There are three distinct groups of Sotho people, The Basotho (Southern Sotho) , the Pedi (Northern Sotho) and the Tswana (many of whom live in Botswana). The Sotho people originate from remnants of other tribes that had migrated into Southern Africa around the 5th century and were scattered by the wars and raids of the Zulus under King Shaka. The main group in South Africa are the Southern Sotho (Basotho), who were gathered together, from many groups of Sotho speaking people, under Basutu chief Moshesh and built a stronghold on the summit of Thaba Bosigo. In 1822 Moshesh, had a following of 21,000. This number grew rapidly as more and more tribes joined and inhabited the area of Basotholand (now Lesotho) and the Free State. For some time Moshesh paid nominal allegiance to Shaka, but in the end he grew strong enough to beat off his assaults. The Sotho people are sometimes known as the cowboys of the plains of South Africa due to their exceptional horse riding skills used for cattle herding. They are also outstanding at basket weaving of all kinds, mats and all items that can be woven from grasses. Their abilities as artisans are well known for the wood, metal and leather items they produce. The Basotho are distinguished by their thick colourful blankets and conical hats and in traditional villages you will see the men wearing trousers and shirts, but wrapped around by the blankets which indicate a linkage to the important moments of their family life Source: South Africa guide
Posted on: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 12:34:24 +0000