Set of 3 - these round Kenyan soapstone dishes / bowls have a striking "elephants" pattern which has been hand-etched.
They make unique ornaments for the home.

•   There is a colourful mottled effect on the underside.

•   Can be used for dry snacks and is part of a collectable range of soapstone available in our eBay Shop.

Handmade by Fair Trade artisans in Kisii, Kenya. 
Most people in Kisii live a subsistence lifestyle, so the income from Kenyan soapstone handicrafts is vital to their existence.

DIMENSIONS - diameter 9.5 cm  x depth 2 cm approximately.

Please note:  sold as a set of 3.
You will receive the actual dishes in the images.
Keep out of direct sunlight. 
Use beeswax to polish. 
Do not use water on these painted products.
 

Did you know?
•   Kisii is the region where most of the world's supply of soapstone originates. Naturally occuring soapstone is a relatively soft stone, a calcium carbonate. Over many generations the people of Kisii have learned to carve beautiful artefacts from the stone.

•   The soapstone is mined by hand in the local, open mines. No machinery is used to mine and as a result, it can be a dangerous job, particularly in the rainy season. The stone is removed using hand held picks and the rocks are cut into smaller sizes using a saw.

•   Then, using a hammer and a chisel, the soapstone is carved. A knife is sometimes used in addition or at different stages of the carving to get the rough outline required.
The stone is then placed in water.
Sandpaper is used to smooth the chiselled stone. This is a long process and different sandpaper is used until the stone is completely smooth and there are no chisel marks left. The women often do the sanding.

•   The stone is painted, often using a sponge to mix colours.
Once the paint has dried the designs are hand-etched into the stone using a knife and a very steady hand as no outline is drawn, revealing the white soapstone underneath.

•   The piece is then finished-off with a beeswax polish.


Also note: we take care to ensure that pictures and descriptions are as accurate and representative as possible, but please be aware that our products are handmade in the developing world (often using locally-sourced and/or recycled materials) and minor variations may occur - making each item truly unique!


FREE DELIVERY to ANYWHERE in the UK via Royal Mail.

FAST DISPATCH
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UK SELLER
We offer a 30-DAY RETURN & REFUND POLICY

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Stock is held in our Southport warehouse and ready for immediate dispatch via Royal Mail.
We pack and post everyday except Sunday.
We will ensure you always get an eBay message to notify you when your item(s) is in the post.

Buy this product and help poor artisans in the developing world to a better life through trade not aid.
"Together we can make a difference".

You are buying from a small, independent, family-run business established in February 2009 and owned by Paul Wolfenden.

A Fair Trade, ethical and environmentally-aware online retailer.

We use recycled packaging wherever possible, so if your outer wrapping looks like it has been used before, it probably has!
Inside, your brand new item will be safely protected.
Thanks for doing your bit for the environment.

Any questions?
Please contact me through the eBay message system for a speedy response.
I`ll do my very best to help - Paul