Kisii Soapstone
GI Type:
Non-Food
GI Status:
Potential
Right Holder / Association:
n/a
GI Identifier:
KEGI000000
Type of Product:
Handicraft
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Characteristics / Features
Soapstone, also known as stealite or soap-rock, is mainly made of mineral talc and is very rich in magnesium. It is used in manifold ways in handicrafts (sculpturing, carving, stone printing), medical purposes (stomach-ache, pregnancy, to stop bleeding) as well as insecticide.
Production and Processing
Soapstone powder, mixed with a binder, can be used as raw material for ceramics, instead of clay. When “burned” in a kiln between 1100 and 1300 degrees, soapstone become extremely hard and resistant.
About 90% of the Kisii soapstone handicrafts production is exported, mainly to the EU, the US, Japan, China, New Zeland and Australia.
Link with the Territory
Handicrafts made of Kisii soapstone have a very long tradition, several hundreds of years back, proved by archeological relics. They have a typical style but their reputation is attributed in the first place to the soapstone itself and not to individual artists.
The name refers to the geographical area. Soapstone is the main source of revenues in that area. The local association of soapstone producers, KISCOOP, gathers around 100 women and 300 men.