Kenyan Soapstone Elephant Sugar/Trinket Holder - Virji Imports

Kenyan Soapstone Elephant Suga/Trinket Holder - Virji Imports

Soapstone is mined from great pits in the area surrounding Kiisi, Kenya. The mined stone is then delivered to carvers who carve sculptures from the natural stone the color of which ranges from cream to pink to brown to yellow to black with a marbling in each of them. Once carved, the craftspeople smooth rough edges with sandpaper dipped in water and polish the piece to a high gloss or paint African motifs in brilliant colors with etched accents. All of the products are completely handmade. The tools consist of household items, such as screwdrivers, hand drills and switchblades.