Traditionally Batswana lived in large villages, their inhabitants numbering anything from a hundred or so to as many as 30 000 people. In earlier times, elite areas had stonewalls  surrounding courtyards and stock kraals, and lanes down which cattle could be guided in and out of the settlement. However, the construction of dwelling houses was of a much more temporary nature. These were thatched rondavels, perhaps four or five meters in diameter, single roomed, with a pole or brush or sometimes clay walls, narrow veranda and slightly raised roof. Some buildings had a sliding door made of woven stick, but none had windows; the vent between wall and roof provided fresh air and light. Communities moved often and houses were not built to last any great length of time.
 

First Day Cover

80t Blackbeard's Store, Phalatswe
 

P2.10 Primary School 1899

P3.90 Telegraph Office, Phalatswe

P4.70 Magistrate Court, Phalatswe
 

Mike Smith

BDT International Security Printing

Offset Lithography in 4 Colours

29.79mm x 40.64mm

25 x 2 stamps in a sheet  with gutter pair

80t , P2.10 , P3.90 and P4.70

110gsm, PVA gum stamp paper

21st March 2005