SMOLArt is a group of artisans based in the rural village of Tabaka, Kenya. This is the center of Kenya's soapstone carving region. The organization was established in 1990 and are members of the World Fair Trade Organization. The artisans receive a fair wage for their work and the project provides community development support through projects that improve living conditions, education, and health of their members.
Soapstone is mined from great pits in the area surrounding Kiisi, Kenya. The mined soapstone is then delivered to carvers who carve sculptures from the natural stone for the wholesale market, the color of which ranges from cream, to pink, to brown, to yellow, to black, to a marbling of all of them. Once carved, the craftspeople smooth rough edges of the soapstone 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 soapstone products we sell are completely handmade. The tools consist of household items from screwdrivers, hand drills, to switchblades. "Pangas," sword-like tools usually used for cutting down vegetation, are used to cleave the stone in the mines.
$12.00
Hand-carved from a single piece of Kisii soapstone by African artisans, this hand-painted bird carving is sleek and modern - perfect for any farmouse or contemporary home! Small = 2.5''...
$20.00
Hand-carved from a single piece of Kisii soapstone by African artisans, this Circle of Friends Sculpture has a long history. It is said that when you give the statue to a...
$31.50
A perfect Mother's or Father's Day Gift! This statue, hand-carved from a single piece of Kisii soapstone by African artisans, features the outstretched arms of parents and their child holding...
$31.50
A perfect Mother's or Father's Day Gift! This statue, hand-carved from a single piece of Kisii soapstone by African artisans, features the outstretched arms of parents and their children holding...
$31.50
A perfect Mother's or Father's Day Gift! This statue, hand-carved from a single piece of Kisii soapstone by African artisans, features the outstretched arms of parents and their children holding...
$27.00
Looking for a great birthday or anniversary present for your loved one? Look no further! Hand-carved from a single piece of Kisii soapstone by African artisans, this contemporary sculpture features...
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Looking for a great birthday or anniversary present for your loved one? Look no further! Hand-carved from a single piece of Kisii soapstone by African artisans, this contemporary sculpture features...
$22.00
Looking for a great birthday or anniversary present for your loved one? Look no further! Hand-carved from a single piece of Kisii soapstone by African artisans, this contemporary sculpture features...
$38.50
This unique and gorgeous Fair Trade Natural Soapstone Nativity from Kenya is carved from ethically-obtained soapstone - a truly unique piece to add to your holiday decorations! 12 piece set Largest piece measures...