This soapstone product comes from Tabaka/Kenya, a town with about 10,000 inhabitants and about 25 km away from Kisii. Soapstone (steatite) is a soft natural stone. The color of the stones varies between white, grey, yellow and reddish tones and is partly permeated by beautiful grains. The raw material is mined on site in quarries. The carvers are independent artists who each specialize in one product area. Tools include impact chisels, knives, scrapers and sandpaper. The fine sanding, washing of the stone, waxing and polishing is then usually carried out by women from the family. The 100% handwork causes the differences in shape.
This heart inside of two moon facing shapes is on the larger size with a height of 6.5 inches and width of 5 inches. It would be great for an oversized miniature or a decoration for an office.