Preserving and indigenising chieftainship cultural heritage in Lesotho

the case of Royal Archives and Museum

Abstract

This study explored aims and progress of preserving and indigenising chieftainship and the monarch’s cultural heritage, the case of Royal Archives, Museum and Information Centre (RAM) in Lesotho. Evolving in 2006 from the repatriated collection of King Moshoeshoe II, RAM developed into a broad-based facility aimed at indigenising the monarch’s cultural heritage. Key terms are conceptualised. The study’s areas of indigenising covered RAM’s hybridity as a library, archives and museums (LAMs); benchmarking and reciprocity with partners; emphasis of grey literature among LAMs diverse items; rooting the multi-faceted RAM, also as LAMs without walls, within the community of traditional royal village; blending imported methodologies, digitisation and ICTs with indigenous set-up; marketing chieftainship; and a competent home-grown management. Progress is discernible through, inter alia, RAM’s visibility locally and globally, increasing patronisation, and resistance to colonial dominance. A case study approach and quantitative desk data methodology were applied, using literature and the researcher’s observations and views of relevant contacts. It was concluded that, despite stated challenges, progress is significant in indigenising RAM’s chieftainship cultural heritage. Recommendations are advanced, as relevant in 2024 when Lesotho marked the bicentenary of nationhood, a legacy owed particularly to chieftainship that defines the Basotho culture.