Mother and Baby Hippo Soapstone Tray

This brightly coloured tray has been carved from Kenyan soapstone and features an engraving of a mother and her cute baby hippo. Each tray is hand painted in a bright colour and is an ideal size for holding trinkets or keys, keeping on the coffee table, or using as a decorative candle holder. 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