1st Edition
The Basuto A Social Study of Traditional and Modern Lesotho
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.
1. Historical Background
2. Social Background
3. Conception, Birth and Childhood
4. Education
5. Marriage
6. Social Routine and Activities
7. Old Age, Death and Religious Beliefs
8. Agriculture
9. Animal Husbandry
10. Land Tenure
11. Miscellaneous Occupations and Pursuits
12. Trade, Exchange, Wealth and Property
13. Political Organization
14. Judicial Organization
15. Law
16. Medicine, Magic and Sorcery
Appendices: 1. Glossary of Sesuto Words 2. Kinship Terms 3. Kinship Marriage 4. Cases Tried in Native Authority Courts
Biography
Hugh Ashton
'A substantial account of the life, work, customs and beliefs of a fascinating tribe in Southern Africa.' International Review of Missions