The word "litema" is derived from the Sotho verb "ho lema," which means "to cultivate" or "to toil the soil." This reflects the idea of creating something beautiful and meaningful on the walls of the home, similar to how farmers cultivate their land.
Litema designs can be created using a variety of materials, including natural pigments (earth colours, dung, and mud), paints, and sometimes stones and mud relief. Women use their fingers, forks, and sticks to apply the designs.
carex.tumblr.com/post/159169586683/celia-hannes-south-africa
The designs often incorporate geometric patterns, abstract representations of nature (mountains, birds, water) and symbols from daily life. Some designs also incorporate elements of religious symbolism or represent specific events like celebrations or births.
Significance:
Litema is not just a decorative art form; it's a way of expressing Basotho culture and heritage. The practice of decorating homes with Litema is a form of social and cultural bonding within the Basotho community.
Contemporary Relevance:
While traditional building materials are being replaced with modern materials, efforts are being made to keep Litema alive, with artists incorporating patterns into various media, like we do at MoTSO DeSIGNED with our Ubuntu wallpapers.
https://motsodesigned.com/collections/ubuntu/products/motso-designed-african-print-basotho-inspired-ubuntu-wallpaper-brown
