Thaba-Bosiu, the birthplace of the Basotho nation: a historical archaeological study

This research explores the daily life of past communities that settled atop the mountain known as Thaba-Bosiu through historical and archaeological evidence, in order to understand how they maintained their day-to-day lives during a nation-building period. This study combines archival and desktop studies with oral traditions and excavations to understand the lifeways of people who lived in this revered place. A variety of material culture, primarily beads, local and foreign ceramics, faunal remains and other foreign material were uncovered and analysed. The conclusions made from material analysis reveal the daily practices, economic activities, and interactions of local, regional, and international scale. Crop and livestock production were major socio-political and economic pursuits. Foreign materials uncovered from the site reflect interactions with African, European, and other cultures. The study mobilises these conclusions to provide an alternative narrative to the idea of Thaba-Bosiu as a mere place of conflict. Rather, insights from various sources converge around the view that Thaba-Bosiu was fundamentally a home where different groups mingled, interacted, co-existed, and adjusted to a new world and a new identity.

Grantor

Department of Archaeology

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Mokoena, Nthabiseng

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Chirikure, Shadreck
• Hall Simon

• Archaeology

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/40389

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/40389