Mother and Baby Elephant Soapstone Tray

These brightly coloured trays are very versatile - they can be a home for your keys so you'll never lose them again, a handy tray kept on your coffee table, or as a base for a candle display. They are made from Kenyan soapstone and have been hand carved by highly skilled artisans. Each tray has been hand painted in a bright colour and then etched with a mother and baby elephant design. Most of the worlds soapstone originates from Kisii in the western highlands of Kenya and so is home to the best soapstone artisans and carvers. The talc in soapstone is soft to touch, hence the name. Before starting work the stone must be immersed in water to make it even softer and therefore easier to work with. Using a hammer and chisel the main shape is carved out and colour then added. A smaller knife, known as a Kisu, is then used for the engraved design or illustration.

Specifications: 10. 5cm× 10. 5cm

Origin: Kenya