Mokorotlo Gold

Africa is known for its bold, unapologetic use of colour. Stories are told in pigments, tones and hues; a kaleidoscope as diverse as the cultures and peoples of the continent. For the initiative Colours of Africa, a collaborative project with Google Arts & Culture, we asked 60 African creatives to capture the unique spirit of their country in a colour which represents home to them. The projects they have created are personal and distinct stories of Africa, put into images, videos, texts and illustrations. Each artist has also attempted to articulate what being African means to their identity and view of the world.

Colour: Mokorotlo Gold

Country: Lesotho

Artwork Rationale:

I present The Colour Gold as reflected along the golden fields of Lesotho and represented in art forms such as the Mokorotlo - the famous Basotho hat.

Even at its lowest point, Lesotho has a base sea level of 1400m, which is the highest lowest-point of any country in the world. On the horizon are the Maluti Mountains, where you see the golden fields of grass where straw is harvested to weave brooms and Basotho hats. The Mokorotlo hat is a significant Basotho symbol – it is both a national treasure in Lesotho and an iconic traditional symbol

What it means to be African:

The need to be creative is strong in me and in my people. Part of my responsibility as a female designer from Lesotho is to be able to shine and light the way for other women in my communities, those who maybe haven’t had the opportunities I had. That way I can help my nation grow.

To be African is being in the moment, cherishing the slow days and being able to endure the dust. It is listening to the environment and rendering services that seek to preserve the essence of who we are and where we come from. It is simply just celebrating life as it presents itself.