The Basotho Hat is a conical grass woven hat with a distinct topknot. It is also called a Mokorotlo. In the early 1900s the hat was worn by tribal chiefs, who chanted a combat/praise song known as ‘mokorotlo’ while making their way to the chiefs’ court.
The hat’s conical shape is said to be inspired by the Qiloane Mountain.
The Basotho hat is a symbol of Lesotho; appearing on the national flag, fabric, car number plates and other landmarks in the “Mountain Kingdom” like the Basotho Hat Shop in Maseru.
