African arts
Lekgapho
Designs have long been painted on houses in Botswana, according to "Culture and Customs of Botswana." The designs include depictions of animals, flowers, playing card (clubs, diamonds, hearts and spades), as well as lekgapho, a square decorated with wavy lines made by dragging the fingers through cow dung. The painting of houses appears to be a a lot of practice, although buildings are still commonly decorated with painted designs. The artists who decorate their houses with these designs, are typically are women, and their designs often expressions of creativity.
Basketry
The traditional baskets of Botswana are made of leaves from a fan palm called Mokolwane, according to Botswana Tourism. They cut leaves and boil them in a natural earth-tone dye, and basketmakers use the lemao,(a sharpened wire with a wooden handle, to insert and wrap the leaf in the coil of the basket). Nature-inspired designs often are incorporated into the baskets, which are noted for their quality and originality. Most baskets in the country are made in the northwest and are regarded as some of the finest baskets made in Africa. They are sold internationally as well as domestically.
Pottery
Clay pottery was made in the country for almost 2000 years, but like traditional house painting, it also is a fading practice. Potters are usually women who make pots by building up coils into shapes they want. They then burn the pots thoroughly with a smooth stone and decorate them. The pots are fired at temperatures of 1292 to 1472 degrees. Contemporary clay pottery in Botswana is produced for selling to tourists.
Other arts
Other traditional arts in Botswana include bead work, wood carving and leather craft, which utilizes the skins of both wild animals and livestock to fashion blankets, mats and clothing.