The Story of Kisii Soapstone: Kenya’s Hidden Treasure in Art

Admin
Jun 24
2 min read

In the hills of western Kenya lies a quiet little town called Kisii — but what comes out of it is nothing short of extraordinary.

Kisii soapstone, locally known as “tabaka”, has been carved by hand for generations and is now making waves across the globe. Whether you’ve seen it shaped into elegant candle holders, intricate figurines, or decorative bowls, one thing’s for sure: this stone carries more than just beauty — it carries heritage.

At Artisan Duka, we’re proud to offer authentic handmade Kisii soapstone pieces that celebrate African creativity while supporting local artisans.

What Makes Kisii Soapstone Special?

Kisii is the only place in Kenya (and one of the few places in the world) where this unique, soft stone is found. It’s easy to carve yet incredibly durable, with natural colors ranging from creamy white and pink to deep grey.

The soapstone is mined by hand, then carefully carved, smoothed, and polished by skilled artisans — often using tools passed down through generations.

Each finished piece is not only beautiful but also a symbol of patience, craftsmanship, and tradition.

How It’s Made: From Quarry to Home

Here’s a simple look at how our soapstone products come to life:

Mining – The stone is extracted manually using hand tools to preserve its quality.
Carving – Artisans shape it into everything from elephants and bowls to tealight holders and jewelry trays.
Sanding & Smoothing – The surface is carefully sanded to a silky finish.
Decorating – Some pieces are left natural; others are dyed, etched, or hand-painted with tribal patterns or symbolic designs.

Every piece you buy tells a real story — not from a machine, but from the hands of a maker.

Why People Love Kisii Soapstone

🧡 Handmade with Heart – Each piece is uniquely handcrafted by local artisans.
🌍 Ethically Sourced – No machines. No mass production. Just fair work and natural resources.
🏠 Perfect for Gifting or Home Décor – Soapstone makes meaningful, long-lasting gifts.
✨ Timeless Beauty – Its soft sheen and earthy tones make it blend beautifully with any interior style.

How to Style Soapstone in Your Home

Looking for inspiration? Here’s how to use soapstone to elevate your space:

Living Room: Place a carved animal figurine or bowl on your coffee table as a conversation starter.
Dining Room: Use soapstone tealight holders for a cozy dinner glow.
Bedroom: Add a handcrafted jewelry tray or keepsake box to your dresser.
Office: A soapstone elephant or rhino can add creativity and calm to your workspace.

Supporting Artisans, Preserving Culture

By purchasing from Artisan Duka, you’re directly supporting Kisii-based artisans and their families. We believe in fair trade, sustainability, and giving traditional craft the global spotlight it deserves.

Every item sold helps keep this rich tradition alive — and brings a little bit of Kenya into your home.

Final Thoughts

Kisii soapstone is more than just art — it’s a living piece of Kenyan culture. It’s raw earth, skilled hands, and generations of creativity shaped into something beautiful for your home.

🛒 Explore our handcrafted soapstone collection today at https://www.shopartisanduka.com/soapstone and own a piece of Kenya’s hidden treasure.