// Connecting History and Modernity through Digital Art //
Wassup fam! In 2024, the Basotho nation celebrates a monumental milestone: its bicentennial. Two centuries ago, King Moshoeshoe I, the visionary founder of the Basotho people, undertook a pivotal nine-day journey from Menkhoaneng to Thaba Bosiu, laying the foundation for a nation. To commemorate this rich legacy, I’ve created two innovative Augmented Reality (AR) artworks, each paired with poetry from two multi-talented Lesotho poets. This project blends technology with traditional storytelling, offering a unique tribute to the enduring spirit and cultural heritage of the Basotho people.
Let’s start with the first AR piece (pictured above) Thaba Bosiu 1.0. This digital illustration captures the formidable presence of Thaba Bosiu, a plateau that’s not just a mountain but a symbol of resilience and unity. Imagine standing in the Phuthiatsana Valley, about 23 km southeast of Maseru, gazing up at this towering sentinel. I’ve paired the artwork with a moving poem by the talented Thabo Marebole, also known as Mora-Mobu. His words will guide you through the Thaba Bosiu Augmented Reality experience.
Next up, we crown our journey with Crowns from the Mountain Kingdom (pictured below). This artwork is a digital homage to the Mokorotlo—the iconic straw hat that’s not just a piece of clothing but a national symbol of Lesotho. The AR experience here is a celebration of identity and pride, weaving together patterns of tradition and modernity. The accompanying poem by the brilliant Atandwa Naleli adds a lyrical layer, transforming the Mokorotlo into a metaphor for the strength and spirit of the Basotho people.
To experience the Augmented Reality of each artwork, you’ll need to use the Artivive app after downloading it on your smartphone or tablet. For the best experience, scan the physical versions of the artworks—trust us, it’s like stepping into another world! But if you only have the digital versions (you can scan the images in this article if you're reading the article on a computer), that’s fine too. We’ve provided the download instructions below, so you can get a glimpse of the experience.
Let’s take a moment to highlight the incredible poets who’ve helped me bring these AR artworks to life with their words.
Thabo Marebole (Mora-Mobu) is a powerhouse of poetic performance from Koalabata, Lesotho. His poem for Thaba Bosiu 1.0 is as epic as the mountain itself. Follow him @mora_mobu on Facebook & Instagram, and if you’re lucky, you might catch him at one of his great poetry sessions! Thato "Atandwa Naleli" Rannana is a versatile artist whose poetry for Crowns from the Mountain Kingdom will leave you in awe. She’s a poet, author, and performer with a decade of experience, and you can find her @atandwanaleli on Facebook.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through Basotho200: Augmented Reflections. Whether you’re a proud Mosotho or just someone who appreciates the blend of history and technology, we hope this has sparked your curiosity. Share this experience with your friends, family, and anyone who might appreciate a little cultural magic in their lives. There’s something truly special about celebrating heritage through innovation, and we’re excited for you to experience it firsthand. My grandmother is from Lesotho, so I can't wait to share this with her.
Stay blessed fam, and don't forget to subscribe to our blog. You can find more info about the project on my Behance Profile here.
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