Basuto Collection

Natal Native Contingent (NCC) armed with assegais
Photograph of members of the Natal Native Contingent (NCC) armed with assegais (short spears) and shields, 1879 (c). The NNC was formed in 1878 to bolster the defences of the British colony of Natal

'Un village de Basutos; Afrique Australe, 1914. Creator: Unknown
'Un village de Basutos; Afrique Australe, 1914. From "Grande Geographie Bong Illustree", 1914

A Basotho woman making mats - South Africa. Date: circa 1930s

Death of the Prince Imperial (engraving)
1099977 Death of the Prince Imperial (engraving) by Prior, Melton (1845-1910) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Death of the Prince Imperial)

Boers Et Bassoutos (engraving)
2783416 Boers Et Bassoutos (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Boers Et Bassoutos)

Basuto clay models from Basutoland (Lesotho)
Basuto clay models from Basutoland, formerly a British Crown colony in southern Africa (now Lesotho)

The Basuto (chromolitho)
1108248 The Basuto (chromolitho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Basuto. One of a series of cigarette cards)

The Basuto War (engraving)
1590240 The Basuto War (engraving) by Schonberg, Johann Nepomuk (1780-1863) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Basuto War. Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 12 February 1881)

Basuto chief and girl (engraving)
3655645 Basuto chief and girl (engraving) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Basuto chief and girl)

The Transvaal War (litho)
1600180 The Transvaal War (litho) by Stewart, Frank Algenon (1877-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Transvaal War. Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 22 September 1900)

South Africa - Basuto Family Date: circa 1930s

Thaba Bosigo, the Stronghold of the Basutos, c1880. Episode of the Xhosa Wars (also known as the Cape Frontier Wars, Kaffir Wars), from 1779 to 1879 in South Africa

A Basuto Scout, c1880. Episode of the Xhosa Wars (also known as the Cape Frontier Wars, Kaffir Wars), from 1779 to 1879 in South Africa. From British Battles on Land and Sea, Vol. IV, by James Grant

Basuto girl brides during a period of initiation into the adult tribal society, Lesotho, 1922
Basuto girl brides during a period of initiation into the adult tribal society, Lesotho, Africa, 1922. From Peoples of All Nations, Their Life Today and the Story of Their Past

Basuto miners in De Beers diamond mines, Kimberley, South Africa, c1885. In 1887 and 1888 Cecil Rhodes amalgamated the diamond mines around Kimberley, which included De Beers, into Consolidated Mines

Basuto Gun War, 1880 - cattle recovered
Recovery of cattle from the Basutos by the British forces, during the Basuto Gun War, 1880. Date: 1880

Basuto Gun War, 1880 - Masupha, Basuto chief
Masupha, Basuto chief, who rebelled again British rule in Basutoland in South Africa. Described in the Illustrated London News in 1880 as " an illiterate native heathen, but of great repute

Tour of the Colonies - Cape Town - Royal Couple, ponies, grooms, etc. Part of Box 246 Boswell collection - Tour of the Colonies

Edward Viii / Riding Boy
Edward VIII on his first riding lesson with the head of the Kings stables. He is riding a Basuto pony which was brought home from South Africa by Prince Francis of Teck. Date: 1902

South Africa: Basuto Police with their Leader, Colonel Schermbrucker

South Africa - Sotho Boys play cards for arm bangles. The Sotho people (Basotho or Basuto) are a Bantu ethnic group whose ancestors have lived in southern Africa since around the fifth century

Basuto miners in De Beers diamond mines. From photograph c1885. In 1887 and 1888 Cecil Rhodes amalgamated the diamond mines around Kimberley, which included De Beers, into Consolidated Mines

Lesotho - South Africa - Policeman
Basutoland (now Lesotho) Policeman with blanket - seemingly refering to his wonderful fabric wrapped cloak of a superb printed material. Date: 1909

Basuto Gun War, 1880 - Thaba Bosigo
Thaba Bosigo, the stronghold of the Basuto chief Masupha, in South Africa. Date: 1880

Basuto Gun War, 1880 - Basuto warrior
A Basuto warrior in 1880. Date: 1880

Basuto Gun War, 1880 - Wife of Masupha
One of the wives of Masupha, the Basuto chief, who rebelled again British rule in Basutoland in South Africa. Date: 1880

Basuto Gun War, 1880 - village attacked
Basutos repulsed when attacking a village during the Basuto Gun War, 1880. Date: 1880

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The Basuto people, also known as the Basotho, have a rich and diverse history that spans across South Africa and Lesotho. From their involvement in conflicts such as the Natal Native Contingent armed with assegais to their artistic talents showcased through clay models from Basutoland, the Basuto culture is fascinating. In one captivating image, we see a Basotho woman skillfully crafting mats in South Africa. Her intricate work reflects the creativity and craftsmanship of her people. Meanwhile, an engraving depicts the tragic Death of the Prince Imperial, highlighting how even international events had an impact on the lives of the Basuto. Another engraving titled "Boers Et Bassoutos" sheds light on historical interactions between Boer settlers and the resilient Basuto community. These encounters shaped both cultures' identities during times like The Transvaal War and The Basuto War. Through a chromolithograph called "The Basuto, " we catch a glimpse into everyday life within this vibrant society. A chief stands proudly alongside a young girl, showcasing their strong bond amidst challenging times. Moving forward in time to c1880s Thaba Bosigo emerges - it was considered to be a stronghold for these proud people who fiercely defended their land against colonial forces. This image captures both their resilience and determination to protect what is rightfully theirs. Additionally, we witness a brave Basuto Scout depicted in another artwork from around 1880s; his role highlights not only his skills but also showcases how integral scouting was for survival during turbulent periods. Lastly, we are presented with an endearing photograph capturing modern-day life: A beautiful portrayal of a contemporary South African-Basuto family exemplifies unity while honoring ancestral traditions that have been passed down through generations.