Hand Carved Soapstone Maasai Chess Set - 14" Board - Smolart

Crafted by African artisans in Western Kenya using traditional techniques, this soapstone chess set will become a conversation piece during play or on display! The board approximately 14 - 15 inches square inlaid with pink and white soapstone. Each piece is hand carved in either pink or white soapstone. Due to the natural characteristics of soapstone, the colors will vary.  The game pieces are approximately 2.25 to 3.5 inches tall.

 Product Features:

• Board measures approximately 14 - 15 inches square and .25-inch high. 
• A natural stone, color variations are to be expected and enjoyed for the one-of-a-kind beauty.
• Due to the handmade nature of this item, each is unique and will vary slightly. 
• Soapstone is a soft stone, making it easy to carve into many forms. Handle with care to avoid breakage. 
• Each piece has gone through multiple stages of sanding and waxing, giving the soapstone a satiny finish.
• Socially responsible products that empower consumers to purchase according to their values and help alleviate global poverty.
• Fair Trade is an alternative business model that values safe workplaces, fair wages and community investment for factory employees.

Story Behind the Art:

Each sculpture is artfully hand-carved from a single piece of Kisii soapstone, found only in the hills of southwestern Kenya. Mining the soapstone from surface hills is a labor-intensive process, using little to no machinery. Laborers works with shovels, picks, axes and machetes to carve out large soapstone chucks, which are then carved into beautiful art. ​