🪨 Large Round Soapstone Storage Pot – Kisii, Kenya

Handcarved elegance • Multi-purpose utility • Naturally unique

Bring warmth and character to your home with this beautifully handcrafted round soapstone pot, made by skilled artisans in the Tabaka Hills of Kisii, Western Kenya. Measuring approximately 18 × 15 × 15 cm, each pot is carved from locally quarried soapstone and polished to a smooth, tactile finish. Available in a variety of colours, these pots offer both practical storage and timeless style.

🌍 Crafted from Kisii Soapstone

• Soapstone is known for its silky texture, subtle grain, and calming weight—each piece shaped by hand using traditional tools.
• Naturally occurring variations in colour and pattern make every pot one-of-a-kind, with tones ranging from soft beige and blush to deep greys and earthy browns.
• Coloured using mineral-based pigments or natural dyes, depending on artisan style.

✋ Handmade by Kenyan Artisans

• Carved and polished by members of the Kisii tribe, whose stonework traditions span generations.
• Your purchase supports fair trade practices and helps sustain artisan livelihoods and community development.
• Includes a storycard detailing the origin of the pot and the cultural significance of soapstone carving.

🧂🛁 Uses & Benefits

• Kitchen: Ideal for storing dry goods like salt, sugar, herbs, or tea bags.
• Living spaces: Use as a catch-all for keys, coins, or keepsakes—or as a decorative planter for succulents.
• Non-porous and easy to clean, making it suitable for everyday use in humid or dry environments.
• Adds a natural accent to countertops, shelves, or bedside tables—functional and beautiful in equal measure.

🎁 Perfect for Gifting

• A thoughtful gift for hosts, home lovers, or anyone drawn to handmade beauty with purpose.
• Pairs beautifully with other African homeware—wooden utensils, woven baskets, or textile wraps.
• Comes wrapped or boxed in eco-conscious packaging where available.

📏 Specifications

• Dimensions: 18 cm tall × 15 cm wide × 15 cm deep
• Material: Natural soapstone
• Colours: Assorted (earth tones, soft pastels, bold accents)
• Finish: Smooth, polished exterior with natural grain and colour variation

This pot isn’t just storage—it’s a story carved in stone, a celebration of craft, and a quiet companion to your daily rituals.

🪨 The Art of Kisii Soapstone Carving in Kenya

In the lush Tabaka Hills of Kisii County, southwestern Kenya, soapstone carving is more than a craft—it’s a cultural legacy passed down through generations. Each handmade item reflects the skill, patience, and pride of local artisans.

⛏️ 1. Quarrying the Stone

• Soapstone, locally known as Kisii stone, is mined by hand using basic tools like machetes, chisels, and hammers.
• The stone is soft due to its high talc content, making it ideal for carving.

🧱 2. Preparing the Raw Blocks

• Extracted blocks are transported to workshops, often within the artisan’s home or community space.
• The stone is cut into manageable sizes depending on the intended item—be it a bowl, figurine, or sculpture.

🔨 3. Carving the Shape

• Artisans use hand tools—files, blades, and even household items like screwdrivers—to sculpt the stone.
• The initial form is roughed out, then refined with intricate details, often inspired by nature, animals, or cultural motifs.

💧 4. Sanding and Polishing

• Wet sanding with water and grinding stones smooths the surface and brings out the stone’s natural luster.
• Some pieces are polished to a high gloss; others are left matte for a rustic feel.

🎨 5. Painting and Etching (Optional)

• Many items are hand-painted with vibrant African designs or etched with symbolic patterns.
• Natural dyes or commercial paints may be used, depending on the artisan’s style.

🖐️ 6. Final Touches

• Each piece is inspected for balance, finish, and artistic integrity.
• Items are often signed or marked by the artisan, celebrating their personal touch and heritage.

Kisii soapstone isn’t just beautiful—it’s deeply meaningful. It supports local economies, preserves ancestral knowledge, and connects global buyers to the heart of Kenyan artistry.

🧼 Caring for Soapstone: Simple, Effective, and Long-Lasting

Soapstone is naturally non-porous, heat-resistant, and durable—but it does benefit from a little TLC to keep it looking its best, especially if it’s a handmade item like those from Kisii, Kenya.

🧽 Regular Cleaning

• Use warm water and mild dish soap with a soft cloth or sponge.
• Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals like bleach or vinegar.
• Dry thoroughly to prevent water spots.

🪔 Oiling for Richness

• Apply food-safe mineral oil or beeswax to deepen the stone’s color and enhance its natural patterns.
• Rub in with a soft cloth, let sit for 30 minutes, then buff off excess.
• Reapply every few months or when the surface looks dry or uneven.

🛠️ Handling Scratches

• Minor scratches can be gently sanded with fine-grit sandpaper (start with 220 and finish with 400).
• After sanding, clean and re-oil the area to restore its finish.

🔥 Heat & Impact Precautions

• While soapstone resists heat, avoid sudden temperature changes—don’t place hot items directly on cold surfaces.
• Don’t drop heavy objects on it; it’s soft and can chip.

🧃 Stain Prevention

• Wipe up spills quickly, especially acidic substances like lemon juice or wine.
• Use coasters or placemats under drinks and dishes.

Soapstone ages gracefully, developing a patina that tells its story and a little care goes a long way.

The story of how your soapstone item was created