ABSTRACT

Originally published in 1952 and as a second edition in 1967 this volume provides a systematic and comprehensive account of the Basuto people and their changing culture, and reviews the developments and changes leading up to 1966 when Basutoland achieved independence as Lesotho. It describes in detail daily lives, the education and upbringing of children, initiation, marriage, economic activities and political developments within and outside the country. It includes a discussion of tribal and modern law and the workings of the courts and a study of the part played by magic and sorcery and an analysis of the motives leading to the out break of 'medicine' murders in the 1940s.

chapter I|9 pages

Historical Introduction

chapter II|16 pages

Social Background

chapter III|15 pages

Conception, Birth and Childhood

chapter IV|21 pages

Education

chapter V|26 pages

Marriage

chapter VI|12 pages

Social Routine and Activities

chapter VII|20 pages

Old Age, Death and Religious Beliefs

chapter VIII|14 pages

Agriculture

chapter IX|10 pages

Animal Husbandry

chapter X|14 pages

Land Tenure

chapter XI|8 pages

Miscellaneous Occupations and Pursuits

chapter XII|20 pages

Trade, Exchange, Wealth and Property

chapter XIII|36 pages

Political Organization

chapter XIV|27 pages

Judicial Organization

chapter XV|33 pages

Law

chapter XVI|35 pages

Medicine, magic and sorcery