The Sutha Ke Fete: The Art of the Basotho Blanket exhibition, held at the Sanlam Art Lounge in Sandton (running from September 2024 to January 2025), is offering an immersive exploration of the history, culture, and artistic evolution of the iconic Basotho blanket. Presented by Sanlam in collaboration with the National Museum in Bloemfontein, this groundbreaking showcase brings together a rare collection of traditional and contemporary Basotho blankets, highlighting their significance both in Southern Africa and across the globe.
In an exclusive post-event interview with Stefan Hundt, we delve deeper into the exhibition’s impact and the cultural importance of the Basotho blanket.
How does the title ‘Sutha Ke Fete’ reflect the cultural journey and global significance of the Basotho blankets?
[STEFAN HUNDT]: Sutha Ke Fete means ‘make way so I may pass’ in Sesotho; an invitation to make way for an imagined passer-by, wrapped in a richly decorated heritage blanket. Sutha Ke Fete is also the name given to a visually stunning blanket, Setsoto, and encapsulates the journey of significance the Basotho Blanket has made over the past few years. Once only a bare necessity, it is now an integral part of every Mosotho’s apparel as global recognition for this unique tradition has grown. It is only too true that way should be made for anyone wearing a Basotho Blanket – global fashion brands have recognised this but have never quite matched the idiosyncrasies of the design and its rootedness in Basotho Culture.
How does the title ‘Sutha Ke Fete’ reflect the cultural journey and global significance of the Basotho blankets?
[STEFAN HUNDT]: The early Basotho blankets follow similar design principles with a focal centre surrounded by 4 squares, much like a church’s tiled floor. Young Basotho designers have incorporated and challenged this convention in various ways, such as bringing in traditional symbolism like the Mokorotlo (Basotho Hat) and nuanced allusions to cattle hooves, referencing contemporary Famo music and artists like rapper Ntate Stunna, aka MegaHertz, whose Koriana (accordion) and microphone feature prominently.
What was the response from exhibition visitors after seeing the historical and economic roots of the Basotho blankets?
[STEFAN HUNDT]: Surprise and delight. Surprise, even for the seasoned blanket aficionado, as there were blankets on display they had never seen before. Delight at seeing how diverse and unique these designs are. Surprise at realising these blankets were never made in Lesotho, yet cannot be separated from Lesotho. Delight in seeing how these designs reflect the interaction of European and indigenous creativity in a way that is warming, inclusive, and uniquely African.
How did the Basotho blanket evolve from a functional item to a global fashion and cultural symbol, as seen in this exhibition?
[STEFAN HUNDT]: It was just waiting to happen. Even before international interest peaked after Basotho Blankets were used in Marvel’s Black Panther movie, wearing a particular blanket bestowed status on the wearer. During specific Basotho ceremonies, it wouldn’t be uncommon for highly regarded individuals to wear more than one blanket at the same time. Now, young designers like Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana are repurposing the blanket into diverse types of apparel that just about everybody wants. Compared to European and American fashion trends, the Basotho blanket stands out as a unique, fresh, and engaging design.
What role do young designers play in preserving traditions like the Basotho blanket, and how were these contributions highlighted?
[STEFAN HUNDT]: Young designers are giving a fresh twist to the imagery of the blanket, reflecting their interests and concerns. Blanket-wearing remains, in its essence, a tradition that binds Basotho people together, so infusing this with contemporary imagery is a way of renewing the tradition. In the exhibition, designs from 120 years ago were seen alongside contemporary designs by young Basotho designers. Visitors could clearly see a common thread of history running through even the most innovative designs.
How did the exhibition connect visitors with the personal and cultural stories tied to Basotho blankets?
[STEFAN HUNDT]: Almost every visitor to the exhibition had a personal connection to a blanket or Basotho blankets more broadly. Whether as recipients of a blanket after initiation, getting married, having a child, or working for the distribution company Frasers and travelling to remote areas of Lesotho on horseback or by aeroplane, these stories enrich our understanding of the tradition. Best of all, we can share in it by wearing the blanket.
This exhibition not only showcased the beauty and cultural richness of the Basotho blanket but also bridged the gap between tradition and modernity. It emphasized the continued relevance of the Basotho blanket in a rapidly evolving world, ensuring its legacy remains interwoven with the fabric of African culture for future generations.
Featured Image(s) Source: Supplied
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