Basutoland: Its Legends and Customs

A detailed ethnographic portrait of the Basuto people that combines historical and political background with close observation of daily life, economy, agriculture, domestic architecture, dress, and musical practice. It describes seasonal cycles, numeration and timekeeping, rites of birth, marriage, and death, and the role of medicine, rain-making, and spirit beliefs. The book examines the impact of warfare and missionary contact on social organization and land tenure, and closes with a collection of traditional narratives and legends that illustrate local superstitions, moral themes, and storytelling forms.