Most people all over the world have seen or heard of the movie, the Black Panther. It grossed well over $1,3 Billion (according to Vox.com), as of 2021. In many different scenes in the movie, you can see the actors wearing Basotho Blankets. Imagine, a movie about a super hero and you see the Basotho Blankets? Sounds crazy. Before we delve into that, let's briefly discuss about the history of Basotho Blankets.
The Basotho Blankets date back to the late 1800s. The blanket was a gift to King Moshoeshoe I by Britain's Queen Victoria. As history would have it, due to the kingdom of Lesotho's cold winters and its high altitudes, the blanket became popular with the natives, Basotho. Animal skin was expensive and with a several droughts that depleted a multitude of animals, the blankets were more cost effective.
Black Panther's director, Ryan Coogler fell in love with the blankets and kingdom of Lesotho, in his own words "as an enclave, able to protect its independence because of its terrain". In the movie, the blankets have Vibranium and the Border Tribe warriors wear them with great pride. In real life, the blankets still have "Vibranium". It's the Vibranium power of love and dignity. That is why culturally, Basotho natives present a child from birth with a blanket. And even when one passes, they are graced with a blanket. The blanket is symbolic of protection, warmth and happiness.
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If you do not own a Basotho Blanket, make means to own one. It's one thing to see the blankets in the movie, it's also another feeling to wear one in real life. So, from us, and the entire XavahDah team, we say, GET YOURS!!
#BasothoBlankets #OwnABasothoBlanket #XavahDah
Please feel free to share what you think of the movie, the blankets or even this article.
Til we chat soon, take care and Wakanda Salute!
By: Khotso Isaiah
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