In 1862, Moshoeshoe I, the founder of the Basotho nation, sent 80 personal belongings from his mountain kingdom in Lesotho to a London exhibition.
The items — shields, pipes, sandals, snuff boxes, and royal objects — were meant to showcase Basotho culture and strengthen ties with Britain.
But after the exhibition, they were sold to a collector and ended up in the British Museum, where many remain today.
Objects sent for diplomacy became artifacts locked in storage.
Another story of Africa’s scattered heritage.