Hand-carved from a single piece of soapstone by artisans in Western Kenya, these heart bowl is crafted in a vibrant colors and patterns to catch your eye as well as your small items.  Measures approximately 3.25 inches in length. Your purchase supports artisans in marginalized communities and contributes to them earning a sustainable living. Global Crafts is proud to be a member of the Fair Trade Federation and offers socially responsible product assortments that is empowering consumers to purchase according to their values and help alleviate poverty. Fair Trade is about safe workplaces, fair wages and community investment for factory employees. Fair trade aims to combat this widespread poverty by providing opportunity for economically disadvantaged producers.

Product Features 

• Set of 3
• Each bowl is hand made from a single piece of soapstone and hand painted using toxin-free dyes.
• Holds soap, small trinkets and jewelry, olives, nuts or other small food or non-food items 
• Package includes: Set of 3
• Country of Origin: Kenya
• Style: Valentine's Day, Wedding, Anniversary, Bridal Shower
• Colors: Modern or Traditional African Designs
• Materials: Soapstone
• Dimensions: Approximately 3.35" tall by 3.5" wide 

Story Behind the Art:
Our Soapstone is carved by the artists of SMOLArt a group of artists who live in the rural village of Tabaka, Kenya, the heart of soapstone crafts. The name, a shortened version of Small, Medium, and Large Artists, refers to the size of the soapstone products the artisans make, not their stature. Established in 1990, SMOLArt is a member of the WFTO, and as such assures that the artisans are paid a fair price for their work. In addition, the organization support community development by contributing to projects that improve living conditions, education, and health of their members and the village at large.  Soapstone is mined from great pits in the area surrounding Kiisi, Kenya. The mined soapstone is then delivered to carvers who carve sculptures from the natural stone for the wholesale market, the color of which ranges from cream, to pink, to brown, to yellow, to black, to a marbling of all of them. Once carved, the craftspeople smooth rough edges of the soapstone with sandpaper dipped in water and polish the piece to a high gloss or paint African motifs in brilliant colors with etched accents.   All of the soapstone products we sell are completely handmade. The tools consist of household items from screwdrivers, hand drills, to switchblades. "Pangas," sword-like tools usually used for cutting down vegetation, are used to cleave the stone in the mines.

The handcrafted touch of artisan skill creates variations in color, size and design. If buying two of the same item, slight differences should be expected. Note: Color discrepancies may occur between this product and your computer screen.

Imported