History of the Baphuthi with Moorosi about 1823-1825
Item date(s): 9 July 1957
Walter Whall Battiss
(1906-1982) - (copied by)
Pages: 11pp Size: 280mm Collation: Title page +10 numbered pages on 6 folded sheets Binding: Loose pages Technique: Cursive script Language: English Inscription: Copied out by Walter Battiss Edition: Unique
Theme(s): Calligraphy; Bushman
Place publication: not stated Publisher: The artist
Additional notes: The title on the title page is surrounded by a orange pencil cartouche.
the text is written in Battiss's best cursive in black ink with highlights and annotations in orange pencil script. The text is from: HISTORY OF THE BASUTO By D. Fred Ellenberger V.D.M. 1912. Chapter XII. Adventures of the Baphuthi, & their submission to Moshesh.
The text is on the recto only. Photocopies were still unusual in 1957 and Battiss thought this text important enough to copy it in his exquisite cursive script.
Reference note: Morosi - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Morosi (or Moorosi; died 20 November 1879) was a Baphuthi chief in the wild southern part of Basutoland. He led a revolt against the Cape Colony government in 1879, in defence of his independence south of the Orange River.[1] The British refused to help the Cape Government. However, Letsie, the paramount chief and first son of Moshoeshoe, and many of the Sotho ruling establishment, rallied to support the Cape forces, and the rebellion was put down after several months of arduous fighting. Morosi was beheaded and his body mutilated by Cape troops.