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Kisii soapstone carving

Also known as Tabaka soapstone

Carvers in the Tabaka hills of western Kenya shape soft white, pink and grey soapstone into animals, bowls, boxes and chess sets, using a panga, knives and rasps, then smooth them with sandpaper and polish with wax.

Play the previewAbout this tradition
Kisii soapstone carving: photograph by Jen Watson
Photo: Jen Watson, CC BY-SA 4.0, source on Wikimedia Commons
Kisii soapstone carving: the game in attract modeLive previewPlay

Runs in your browser, works offline once loaded.

How to play

  1. The framed bird shows what the block must become.
  2. Drag over cells to chip them away; switch between the fine and broad chisel.
  3. The outline marks the figure; dark cells show where you cut too deep.
  4. Press Check when the shape is right.
Rules at a glance
  • Cut away only what lies outside the outline: removing a cell inside it costs as much as leaving one outside.
  • Undo brings back the last stroke.
  • Three stars need a nearly exact figure.

About the tradition

Soapstone is dug from shallow quarries near Tabaka, in Kisii County, and whole families carve, sand and polish it by hand. The stone is so soft that a knife and water are enough to shape it.

Origins

A living tradition passed from person to person; it is not tied to a single dated origin.

Credits

Sources

Get the app

Kisii soapstone carving is one of 8 craft designs in the Craft Designs of the World app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Submitted to the App Store and Google Play; in review. Store links appear here the day it goes live. One app, many traditions, no account needed.

See all 8 craft designs in the app

In review on theApp StoreIn review on theGoogle Play

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