GLOSSARY OF TSWANA ARCHITECTURAL TERMS

Bodilo. (seTswana). A raised compacted earth floor.

Boloko. (seTswana). Clay floor plaster, often used together with cow-dung.

Borobalo. (seTswana). The central dividing wall in a large dwelling.

Gobatega. (seTswana). Clay wall plaster, often used together with cow-dung.

Kgoro. (seTswana). The term has a number of applications. In dwelling construction it is a doorway, but it can also signify an extended family homestead, the cattle byre, the gathering area for the men, or even the larger family grouping.

Kobotlo. (seTswana). A storage shelf.

Leiso. (seTswana). A hearth.

Lobota. (seTswana). Generic tern for the perimeter wall of a dwelling.

Lomapo. (seTswana). Dowel set into the lower end of the beam, which is then set to rest upon the ring beam, or mophako.

Lotwana. (seTswana). A timber post, usually used to support the external perimeter of a verandah, or the roof eaves.

Maribele. (seTswana). The eaves or roof overhang.

Mokatako. (seTswana). Small raised verandah, or verandah seat running the outside perimeter of the dwelling.

Mophako. (seTswana). Used to denote a roof timber spanning from one verandah post to the next, supporting the roof structure.

Moteko. (seTswana). The thatched roof cover.

Palelo. (seTswana). Roof batten.

Pinagare. (seTswana). A center post used during roof construction, when it carries the greater part of the thatcher’s live load. After the roof has been completed, it is cut off immediately below the cross-brace. Should the roof require subsequent maintenance or re-thatching, a new center post is inserted immediately below it as a temporary prop. In many larger Tswana dwellings the center post is not removed.

Seokome Labagwe. (seTswana). A window.

Setlhowa. (seTswana). The apex of a conical roof structure.

Setswalo. (seTswana). A door.

Tlhomeso. (seTswana). Timber rafter.

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