William Marapamele
Artist
William Marapamele
Location
Maseru, Lesotho
Creating
Basotho Blankets
Meet Proud Mary artist William Marapamele of Nanabolela Art. His large-scale embroidered Basotho blankets showcase whimsical bold patterns combined with traditional motifs. As both a shepherd and an artist, each of Marapamele’s pieces are a unique expression of his rich imagination and Lesotho’s unique cultural identity.
Born in the highlands of Mokhotlong, his creative journey began with childhood sketches on maize meal bags and school art awards that hinted at a lifelong calling. In 2022, he began experimenting with embroidery, developing a distinctive, self-taught style rooted in storytelling and tradition. That vision grew into Nanabolela Art, a brand dedicated to honoring and evolving Basotho heritage through textile art.
For William, these blankets are far more than decorative, they are legacies. Each stitch carries history, each pattern a story. Nanabolela is not about status, but meaning. It’s culture made collectible. It’s history embroidered in thread.
From the Artist
William Marapamelestarted drawing on maize meal bags as a child in the highlands of Mokhotlong, Lesotho. Now his embroidered Basotho blankets — bold, whimsical, rooted in tradition — hang on walls across the world. His art brand is Nanabolela, which means pride and dignity in Sesotho.
This print is inspired by William's original embroidered blanket work, Gold in Goat.
William receives 15% royalties on every print sold.
Archival inks on museum-quality rag paper
11 × 14, 16 × 20, or 24 × 30
Edition of 50
Available framed and unframed
11 × 14 and 16 × 20 framed prints include 1.5" mat
24 × 30 framed prints include 3" mat
All prints come with white border
Printed and framed in the USA
Allow 5 business days to ship prints and up to 4 weeks to receive framed prints
Authentication
This 2025 release includes 50 limited edition prints. Each print is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
William Marapamele started drawing on maize meal bags as a child in the highlands of Mokhotlong, Lesotho. Now his embroidered Basotho blankets — bold, whimsical, rooted in tradition — hang on walls across the world. His art brand is Nanabolela, which means pride and dignity in Sesotho.
This print is inspired by William's original embroidered blanket work, King.
William receives 15% royalties on every print sold.
Archival inks on museum-quality rag paper
11 × 14, 16 × 20, or 24 × 30
Edition of 50
Available framed and unframed
11 × 14 and 16 × 20 framed prints include 1.5" mat
24 × 30 framed prints include 3" mat
All prints come with white border
Printed and framed in the USA
Allow 5 business days to ship prints and up to 4 weeks to receive framed prints
Authentication
This 2025 release includes 50 limited edition prints. Each print is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
William Marapamele started drawing on maize meal bags as a child in the highlands of Mokhotlong, Lesotho. Now his embroidered Basotho blankets — bold, whimsical, rooted in tradition — hang on walls across the world. His brand is Nanabolela, which means pride and dignity in Sesotho.
In addition to the upfront commission fee, William receives 50% of the profit from the sale of this original work.
Hand embroidery on wool
Ships within 3 business days
Authentication This is a 1 of 1 original co-created by Proud Mary and William Marapamele.
