Confession time. I was really hoping to see another invertebrate issue starting the Botswana 2023 stamps. Artist Baboloki Samolekae’s Myriapods last year was a standout. 

Whether you love creepy crawlies or not, you have to admit, his artwork is fantastic. But I think I like Totang Mokoloki’s Scorpions more. Mind you, I have a weird love of scorpions. As far as arachnids go, they are the tops.  Can’t stand spiders, but scorpions are cool.

How could you not love a creature that glows in the dark?  Instead of crawlies, 2023 starts with Keitshupile Tshiba’s artwork highlighting the importance of protected bird areas. Despite the lack of scorpions, it’s an excellent start to the year. 

2022 also saw the premier of Botswana’s first crypto set that shone a light on 5 of their classic designs from the past 50 years.

 2022 was a strong year for new Crypto releases world wide, but Botswana? They did their first issues right. It was nice seeing the best of their past years showcased.  

Now, to my primary problem. I am having difficulties finding information about the artists and designers listed. If you have any links or details about them, could you leave a link in the comments or reach out via the contact form (in the navigation bar above). I’d appreciate your help. 

The best way to keep up with Bitter Grounds is through my weekly newsletter. It’s free & includes all updated countries & links to new articles.

Sign up for our NEWSLETTER!

March

Important Bird Areas in Botswana 

4 stamps, FDC, cancel, souvenir sheet
offset

• Chobe National Park Chobe National Park (Official GANP Park Page) (national-parks.org)
• Okavango Delta  Okavango Delta – UNESCO World Heritage Centre
• Makgadikgadi Pans Makgadikgadi Pans Landscape – UNESCO World Heritage Centre
• Mannyelenong Hill Site 

This set was designed with the help of BirdLife Botswana 

Artist: Keitshupile Tshiba
This is Tshiba’s first stamp  (2) Keitshupile Tshupo Tshiba | Facebook
Designer: Shathani Basupi
Basupi began working with Botswana Post in 2020. He designed the 2022 Bridges of Botswana, 2021 African Fish Eagle with artist Cheri Verster and 2020 Water Conservation.  

Release date: March 23, 2023

Folktales – Cryptostamps
2nd set of NFTs 
 

Chiwele and the Giant
rarity: Common

Kgori is not Deceived
rarity: Rare

Nyambi’s Wife and Crocodile
rarity: Super Rare

Clever Hare
rarity: Ultra Rare 

Each stamp is based on a Botswana folk tale.  They first appeared on the postage stamp series Folktales on August 1980.  See Luc’s page for blockchain, value and issue numbers: BOTSWANA – Crypto-Stamps.org

I haven’t found a reliable source for Botswana folk tales yet. If you have one, please leave it in the comments. Most sources I’ve found are from western writers or simply lump all stories under “African” without references regional ties. I’m interested in a site, or book from Botswana. 

Designer : Professor Walter Whall Battiss (1906-1982)
The University of South Africa has a brief write up on Prof. Battiss Walter Battiss (unisa.ac.za). In it they describe him as a “gentle anarchist”. 
Battiss, Walter Whall « Vincent Art Gallery
Walter Whall Battiss – Grahams Gallery This page has an excellent chronology of Battiss’ work

Release date: June 11, 2023

Diamonds of Botswana
12th definitive set
Joint release with Botswana Post and Debswana Diamond Company

16 stamps, 2 FDCs, souvenir sheet, 2 FDCs, cancel

Botswana Post created a detailed brochure on this set that explains the history of mining in the country, diamond cuts and various mining operation sites. You can download it here Botswana Post | Philately (philatelybotswana.co.bw)

Artist: Totang Motoloki  
Designer: Monkgogi Samson 
Totang and Monkgogi have teamed up for 2 sets in the past. They were the brilliant duo behind both Spiders of Botswana (2020) and Scorpions (2021). Even an arachnophobe like me found lots to love in the Spiders set. 

Release date: June 11, 2023

Fish of Botswana

4 stamps, souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel

• Southern mouthbrooder (Pseudocrenilabrus philander)
• Largemouth squeaker (Synodontis macrostoma)
• Banded jewelfish (Hemichromis elongatus) 
• Southern African pike (Hepsetus cuvieri)
   

Artist: Keitshupile Tshiba
This is Keitshupile’s second stamp. 
Designer: Onica Lekuntwane
Onica has been designing stamps for Botswana Post since 2015. She also runs workshops on designing stamps for up and coming artists in Botswana. 

Release date: September 21, 2023

Hippopotamus of Botswana

3 stamps, souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel
offset

Each stamp started life as an oil painting. 

“It was nice to step out of my comfort zone and explore painting landscapes which, oddly enough, I don’t usually do. So next time I travel I’ll surely be taking pictures for me to paint and explore my art as a direct reflection of the lifestyle I enjoy.” Meet Motswetla, the Artist Behind Hippos of Botswana Commemorative Stamps – Botswana Gazette (thegazette.news)

Artist: Itumeleng Motswetla
Itumeleng’s first stamps were the 2021 Nelson Mandela in Botswana set. The Botswana Gazette has an excellent interview/article on this artist. Meet Itumeleng Motswetla, the visual artist behind “Mandela in Botswana” postage stamps – Botswana Gazette (thegazette.news). The artist has an Instagram page Itumeleng Motswetla Art (@artbyitumelengm) • Instagram photos and videos
Designer:  Petrus Des Kuhlmann
This is Petrus’ first stamp design.

Release date: November 23, 2023