The Kome Cave Dwellings

The Kome Caves are a group of cave dwellings made out of mud in the district of Berea, Lesotho 25 km east of Teyateyaneng.[1][2] The caves are still inhabited by the descendants of the original people who built the caves.[3] The site has been classified as a National Heritage Site.[1]

The Kome Cave Dwellings
A woman sitting in front of the caves

History

The Kome Cave Dwellings were built and protected by Chief Teleka of The Basia(cat) Clan in the early 19th century.[4] The main purpose for the cave dwellings was to serve as a hideout from adversaries during the drought in the late 18th century.[5] The name of Ha Kome comes from the Kome family in the Basia tribe, the first inhabitants of the cave.[2]

Location

The Kome Cave Dwellings are located in the Berea District about a half an hours drive from Teyateyaneng, the capital of the Berea District, and an hours drive from Maseru, the capital of the Maseru District and Lesotho. The geographical coordinates are S 29° 14′ 38.2 E 027° 52′ 00.2. It is 21 km from Blue Mountain Inn, a three star hotel in Teyateyaneng.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b "Kome Caves". www.golesotho.co.za. Retrieved 2019-04-02.
  2. ^ a b "Developing Heritage and cultural tourism in Lesotho: the case of Ha Kome cave village" (PDF).
  3. ^ a b "Kome Caves".
  4. ^ "Kome Village Caves: A traditional relic to preserve". Archived from the original on 2014-08-12. Retrieved 2013-09-07.
  5. ^ "The Lesotho Embassy in The United States". Archived from the original on 2017-08-20. Retrieved 2013-09-07.
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