“Seanamarena,” meaning “to swear by the king or chiefs,” is more than a blanket. It is a living  symbol of Basotho heritage, identity, and strength. Traditionally reserved for kings and chiefs, its  patterns carry deep meanings of fertility, wealth, protection, and unity.

This series explores the enduring power of the Sotho blanket, from its origins as a royal gift in the 1860s, to its place today as a cultural treasure recognised across generations. [“Mpho ha e halalwe” (One never refuses a gift)]

The artworks reflect on how a single garment grew into a national symbol, embodying perseverance, leadership, and belonging. [“Sefate se tsejwa ka ditholwana” (A tree is known by its fruit).]

By portraying men draped in the Seanamarena, the series emphasises strength, dignity, and continuity. It also acknowledges the racial and cultural exchanges involved in the blanket’s history, featuring Black, White, and Asian models to symbolise a shared heritage woven together by a single thread. Ultimately, SeanaMarena is about unity, resilience, and the timeless authority of tradition in shaping identity. [“Leboela le a ja” (Perseverance pays)].