This metallic Ubuntu bowl features 8 women holding hands around the rim in a spirit of unity, wearing traditional African headscarves with their babies on their backs. In Africa, the definition of an individual is community-based, thus the word Ubuntu represents “the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity.”

This bowl is limited edition. Size: 8”T x 11”D.

The South African Zizamele Ceramics, founded in 2008 by Toni Burton who taught ceramics skills at a local college, creates highly sought after and collectable ceramic pieces that can be found all around the world and is increasingly exporting to international stores and galleries. Members of Zizamele have their own ceramic specialty developed after Toni taught an 18-month long job creation course in craft production.  

This metallic Ubuntu bowl features 3 women holding hands around the rim in a spirit of unity, wearing their traditional African headscarves with their babies on their backs. In Africa, the definition of an individual is community-based, thus the word Ubuntu represents "the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity."

Due to the handcrafted nature, the design and coloring of each bowl will vary slightly. Size: Width from edge to edge: 6"; Height from the top of women to bottom: 5.5"; Height from edge to bottom of bowl: 3".

About the Artisans:

The South African Zizamele Ceramics, founded in 2008 by Toni Burton who taught ceramics skills at a local college, creates highly sought after and collectable ceramic pieces that can be found all around the world and is increasingly exporting to international stores and galleries. Members of Zizamele have their own ceramic specialty developed after Toni taught an 18-month long job creation course in craft production.

This collectible ceramic vase is handcrafted by Vuyelwa Katshwa from South African's Zizamele Ceramics using press-moulds. It features a deep blue and white pattern with woman wearing a traditional headscarf.

Size: Width from edge to edge: 2.5"; Height from the top of women to bottom: 6.5"; Height from edge to bottom: 4". Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur.

About the Artisans:

The South African Zizamele Ceramics, founded in 2008 by Toni Burton who taught ceramics skills at a local college, creates highly sought after and collectable ceramic pieces that can be found all around the world and is increasingly exporting to international stores and galleries. Members of Zizamele have their own ceramic specialty developed after Toni taught an 18-month long job creation course in craft production.

These tiny bowls, with women reaching toward each other around the edge of the bowl, represent the philosophy of Ubuntu: a complex Nguni word that means “the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity.” These hand thrown bowls feature female figures wearing their traditional African headscarves with their babies on their backs.

Size: Width from edge to edge: 4"; Height from the top of women to bottom: 2.5"; Height from edge to bottom of bowl: 1". Due to the handcrafted nature of this product, each design and color will vary slightly.

About the Artisans:

The South African Zizamele Ceramics, founded in 2008 by Toni Burton who taught ceramics skills at a local college, creates highly sought after and collectable ceramic pieces that can be found all around the world and is increasingly exporting to international stores and galleries. Members of Zizamele have their own ceramic specialty developed after Toni taught an 18-month long job creation course in craft production.

Kenyan artisans hand carve soapstone to create this beautiful one of a kind bowl. Soapstone is un-dyed and showcases the natural grain and coloration of the stone. Polished to a smooth finish, it truly is a work of art!

Only one available. Bowl measures approximately 18"W x 4.5"T.

About the Artisans:

At the Ndima Crafts' finishing shop in Nairobi's industrial district, roughly a dozen artisans of varied ethnicity transform raw soapstone by using non-toxic synthetic dyes under the leadership of Charles Ndibe. Charle's exacting standards of quality and friendly demeanor make him one of Swahili Modern's most reliable vendors.

Kenyan artisans hand carve soapstone to create this beautiful one of a kind bowl. Soapstone is un-dyed and showcases the natural grain and coloration of the stone. Polished to a smooth finish, it truly is a work of art!

Only one available. Bowl measures approximately 16"W x 3"T.

About the Artisans:

At the Ndima Crafts' finishing shop in Nairobi's industrial district, roughly a dozen artisans of varied ethnicity transform raw soapstone by using non-toxic synthetic dyes under the leadership of Charles Ndibe. Charle's exacting standards of quality and friendly demeanor make him one of Swahili Modern's most reliable vendors.

Kenyan artisans hand carve soapstone to create this beautiful one of a kind bowl. Soapstone is un-dyed and showcases the natural grain and coloration of the stone. Polished to a smooth finish, it truly is a work of art!

Only one available. Bowl measures approximately 16"W x 3"T.

About the Artisans:

At the Ndima Crafts' finishing shop in Nairobi's industrial district, roughly a dozen artisans of varied ethnicity transform raw soapstone by using non-toxic synthetic dyes under the leadership of Charles Ndibe. Charle's exacting standards of quality and friendly demeanor make him one of Swahili Modern's most reliable vendors.

Kenyan artisans hand carve natural soapstone to craft these beautiful bookends that are polished to a smooth finish. Although colors are predominantly white, this is completely natural soapstone with NO dyeing so each piece could display a variation - with veining that can vary to gray and pink.

Measures: 10"L x 3"W x 6"T. Size may vary slightly.

About the Artisans:

At the Ndima Crafts' finishing shop in Nairobi's industrial district, roughly a dozen artisans of varied ethnicity transform raw soapstone by using non-toxic synthetic dyes under the leadership of Charles Ndibe. Charle's exacting standards of quality and friendly demeanor make him one of Swahili Modern's most reliable vendors.

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Showcasing natural, gray soapstone, this sweet mama and baby elephant sculpture set is hand-carved and polished by Kenyan artisans. Each sculpture displays the natural grain and varied coloration of gray soapstone. Colors are predominantly gray, but this is completely natural soapstone with no dyeing. Each piece could display variation in shade, grain, veining, and even some brown and pink tones, making each piece beautifully one of a kind. Additional color swatches are shown as possible examples.

Mother measures approximately 5"L x 3.75"W x 3"T and baby measures 4"L x 3.25"W x 2.5"T. Size may vary slightly.

At the Ndima Crafts' finishing shop in Nairobi’s industrial district, about a dozen artisans of transform raw soapstone with non-toxic synthetic dyes under the leadership of Charles Ndibe. Charles's exacting standards of quality and friendly demeanor make him one of Swahili Modern's most reliable vendors.

Kenyan artisans hand carve naturally gray soapstone to showcase the natural grain and varied coloration of gray soapstone to craft these refined decorative bowls. They are polished to a smooth finish to add a touch of elegance in any room of the house. Although colors are predominantly gray, this is completely natural soapstone with NO dyeing so each piece could display a wide variation in color and grain than photos - with veining, lighter or darker gray, and even some brown and pink tonesbut each will be lovely. Additional color swatches are shown as possible examples.

Set includes: [Small] 3"D x 1"T [Medium] 4"D x 1.25"T [Large] 6"D x 1.5"T. Size may vary slightly.

About the Artisans:

At the Ndima Crafts' finishing shop in Nairobi's industrial district, roughly a dozen artisans of varied ethnicity transform raw soapstone by using non-toxic synthetic dyes under the leadership of Charles Ndibe. Charle's exacting standards of quality and friendly demeanor make him one of Swahili Modern's most reliable vendors.

Hand carved and polished to a smooth finish, this set of 2 sweet African animals showcases the beautiful grain and varied coloration of natural gray soapstone. Choose 2 hippos, 2 rhinos, or 1 of each animal for a lovely gift or keepsake.

Although colors are predominantly gray, this is completely natural soapstone with NO dyeing so each piece could display a wide variation in color and grain than photos - with veining, lighter or darker gray, and even some brown and pink tones but each will be lovely. Additional color swatches are shown as examples.

Sizes: [Rhino] 4"L x 1.5"W x 2"T; [Hippo)] 3"L x 2"W x 2"T.

About the Artisans:

At the Ndima Crafts' finishing shop in Nairobi's industrial district, roughly a dozen artisans of varied ethnicity transform raw soapstone by using non-toxic synthetic dyes under the leadership of Charles Ndibe. Charle's exacting standards of quality and friendly demeanor make him one of Swahili Modern's most reliable vendors.

Hand carved and polished to a smooth finish, this set of 4 rounded hearts showcases the beautiful tones of natural gray soapstone.

Although colors are predominantly gray, this is completely natural soapstone, undyed, so each piece will display a wide variation in color with veining, lighter or darker gray, and even some brown and pink tones. Each will be lovely. Additional color swatches are shown as examples.

Size: each heart measures 2.75" wide by 1.75" tall.

About the Artisans:

At the Ndima Crafts' finishing shop in Nairobi's industrial district, roughly a dozen artisans of varied ethnicity transform raw soapstone by using non-toxic synthetic dyes under the leadership of Charles Ndibe. Charle's exacting standards of quality and friendly demeanor make him one of Swahili Modern's most reliable vendors.

Hand carved and polished to a smooth finish, this serene bunny showcases the beautiful grain and varied coloration of natural gray soapstone. Although colors are predominantly gray, this is natural soapstone with no dye; each piece will display variation with veining, shades of gray, and even some brown and pink tones. Additional color swatches are shown as examples.

Measures 2.5"L x 1.5"W x 4"T. Size may vary slightly.

About the Artisans:

At the Ndima Crafts' finishing shop in Nairobi's industrial district, roughly a dozen artisans of varied ethnicity transform raw soapstone by using non-toxic synthetic dyes under the leadership of Charles Ndibe. Charle's exacting standards of quality and friendly demeanor make him one of Swahili Modern's most reliable vendors.

These darling rabbit sculptures are hand-carved from natural undyed Kenyan soapstone. This set contains two small and one large bunny and is a lovely addition to any home decor.

Small bunnies measure 1.5"T x 2.5"L x 1.5"W. Large bunnies measure 2.75"T x 4"L x 2.25"W.

About the Artisans:

Richard Makaya is a master of soapstone carving and works directly with artisans in the Kisii district where soapstone is mined and carved. Richard is known for his attention to detail and eye for design. His winning smile and personality makes him one of Swahili's most admired and long-standing partners.

Showcasing un-dyed soapstone in this sweet songbird sculpture set, Kenyan artisans hand carve and polish the stone to a smooth finish. Although the color is primarily cream,this is completely natural soapstone with no dye. Each piece may display natural variation in color and grain, with veining in gray, brown, or pink. Each piece is unique and lovely.

Sold as a set of two. Each measures approximately 4"L x 2"W x 2.5"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, variation is expected.

About the Artisans:

At the Ndima Crafts finishing shop in Nairobi’s industrial district, roughly a dozen artisans of varied ethnicity transform raw soapstone by using non-toxic synthetic dyes under the leadership of Charles Ndibe. Charles' exacting standards of quality and friendly demeanor make him one of Swahili Modern's most reliable vendors.

Showcasing un-dyed soapstone in this beautiful lidded box, Kenyan artisans hand carve and polish to a smooth finish. Although colors are primarily cream, this is completely natural soapstone with NO dyeing so each piece could display a wide variation in color and grain than photos - with veining, and even some brown and pink tones but each will be lovely.

Measures 4"L x 4.25"W x 1.5"T. Size may vary slightly.

About the Artisans:

At the Ndima Crafts' finishing shop in Nairobi's industrial district, roughly a dozen artisans of varied ethnicity transform raw soapstone by using non-toxic synthetic dyes under the leadership of Charles Ndibe. Charle's exacting standards of quality and friendly demeanor make him one of Swahili Modern's most reliable vendors.

Showcasing un-dyed soapstone in this beautiful lidded box, Kenyan artisans hand carve and polish to a smooth finish. Although colors are primarily cream, this is completely natural soapstone with NO dyeing so each piece could display a wide variation in color and grain than photos - with veining, and even some brown and pink tones but each will be lovely.

Measures 4.5"D x 2.5"T. Size may vary slightly.

About the Artisans:

At the Ndima Crafts' finishing shop in Nairobi's industrial district, roughly a dozen artisans of varied ethnicity transform raw soapstone by using non-toxic synthetic dyes under the leadership of Charles Ndibe. Charle's exacting standards of quality and friendly demeanor make him one of Swahili Modern's most reliable vendors.

Using soft soapstone, carvers in Kenya's western highlands craft the basic form for these useful lidded boxes. Artisans in a Nairobi workshop then add a soft blue dyed finish and etched line details.

Each measures 3"D x 1.5"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur.

About the Artisans:

At the Ndima Crafts' finishing shop in Nairobi's industrial district, roughly a dozen artisans of varied ethnicity transform raw soapstone by using non-toxic synthetic dyes under the leadership of Charles Ndibe. Charle's exacting standards of quality and friendly demeanor make him one of Swahili Modern's most reliable vendors.

Handcrafted by Kenyan artisans from soft soapstone, this set of 2 heart-shaped keepsake boxes have a hand-dyed finish with a simple message: "love is love." Hearts complete the boxes. Makes a thoughtful gift for young and old to share.

Measures 2.75"L x 2.75"W x 1.25"T. Because this box is carved from natural soapstone, variations in coloration should be expected.

About the Artisans:

At the Ndima Crafts' finishing shop in Nairobi's industrial district, roughly a dozen artisans of varied ethnicity bring raw soapstone to life by using non-toxic synthetic dyes under the leadership of Charles Ndibe. Charle's exacting standards of quality and friendly demeanor make him one of Swahili Modern's most reliable vendors.

This decorative tray is handcrafted by Kenyan artisans from soft soapstone which has a hand-dyed finish with a simple message: "love is love." Hearts and a bold black rim complete the dishes.

Measures 10"L x 3"W x 0.5"T. Because this box is carved from natural soapstone, variations in coloration should be expected.

About the Artisans:

At the Ndima Crafts' finishing shop in Nairobi's industrial district, roughly a dozen artisans of varied ethnicity bring raw soapstone to life by using non-toxic synthetic dyes under the leadership of Charles Ndibe. Charle's exacting standards of quality and friendly demeanor make him one of Swahili Modern's most reliable vendors.

Celebrating the universal language of music, artisans adorn hand carved soapstone boxes with a stained black exterior and hand-etched musical staffs and notes. Our Melody Maker Kenyan soapstone decor makes a thoughtful gift for musicians or music enthusiasts.

Sizes: [Small] 4"L x 2"W x 2.25"T; [Medium] 6"L x 2"W x 2"T; [Large] 8"L x 2"W x 2"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of these items, slight variation may occur.

About the Artisans:

Richard Makaya is a master of soapstone carving and works directly with artisans in the Kisii district where soapstone is mined and carved. Richard is known for his attention to detail and eye for design.

The basic form for these tea light candle holders are crafted in Kenya's western highlands from soft soapstone. Artisans in a Nairobi workshop then add the black dyed finish and etched details.

Size: [Round] 4"D [Square] 4" x 4". Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur. Candle not included.

About the Artisans:

At the Ndima Crafts' finishing shop in Nairobi's industrial district, roughly a dozen artisans of varied ethnicity transform raw soapstone by using non-toxic synthetic dyes under the leadership of Charles Ndibe. Charle's exacting standards of quality and friendly demeanor make him one of Swahili Modern's most reliable vendors.

The form for these tealight candle holders are crafted in Kenya's western highlands from soft soapstone. Artisans in a Nairobi workshop then add the black dyed finish and etched bamboo branch details.

Size: each candle holder measures 4" wide x 1" tall. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur. Sold as a pair. Candle not included.

About the Artisans:

At the Ndima Crafts' finishing shop in Nairobi's industrial district, roughly a dozen artisans of varied ethnicity transform raw soapstone by using non-toxic synthetic dyes under the leadership of Charles Ndibe. Charle's exacting standards of quality and friendly demeanor make him one of Swahili Modern's most reliable vendors.

Handcrafted by Kenyan artisans from soft soapstone, this heart-shaped keepsake box has a hand-dyed finish with a simple message: "love lives here." Makes a thoughtful gift for young and old to share.

Measures 3.5"L x 1"T.  Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation may occur.

About the Artisans:

At the Ndima Crafts' finishing shop in Nairobi's industrial district, roughly a dozen artisans of varied ethnicity bring raw soapstone to life by using non-toxic synthetic dyes under the leadership of Charles Ndibe. Charle's exacting standards of quality and friendly demeanor make him one of Swahili Modern's most reliable vendors.

Soft soapstone is transformed into safari art for the home by Kenyan artisans. With a hand-dyed coat and etched details, these sculptures make a lovely gift for elephant enthusiasts of all ages. This set of 2 includes trumpeting elephant figures in purple and brown hues.

Elephants measure 4.5"L x 2"W x 5"T. Due to the handmade nature of each item, color and size may vary slightly.

About the Artisans:

Richard Makaya is a master of soapstone carving and works directly with artisans in the Kisii district where soapstone is mined and carved. Richard is known for his attention to detail and eye for design.

Soft soapstone is transformed into safari art for the home by Kenyan artisans. With a hand-dyed coat and etched details, these sculptures make a lovely gift for safari enthusiasts of all ages. This set of 3 includes a proud tawny brown lion, a black milkweed rotund hippo, and a cheerful blue milkweed rhino.

Size: [Lion] 4.5"L x 1.25"W x 2.5"; [Hippo] 5"L x 2.25"W x 2.75"T; [Rhino] 4.5"L x 2"W x 2.75"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of these items, slight variation may occur.

About the Artisans:

Richard Makaya is a master of soapstone carving and works directly with artisans in the Kisii district where soapstone is mined and carved. Richard is known for his attention to detail and eye for design.

Kenyan artisans hand carve these uniquely styled giraffe sculptures from soft soapstone. A rich hand-dyed brown finish and etched details are added for a delightful design.

Sizes: Small 6"T and Large 8"T. Sold as a set.

About the Artisans:

At the Ndima Crafts' finishing shop in Nairobi's industrial district, roughly a dozen artisans of varied ethnicity transform raw soapstone by using non-toxic synthetic dyes under the leadership of Charles Ndibe. Charle's exacting standards of quality and friendly demeanor make him one of Swahili Modern's most reliable vendors.

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Kenyan artisans hand carve natural soapstone to craft these fun owl bookends that are polished to a smooth finish. Although these are predominantly white stone, this is completely natural soapstone with no dyeing, so each piece could display color variation with veining that can vary to gray and pink.

Measures: 7"T x 5"L x 3"W. Size may vary slightly. 

About the Artisans:

At the Ndima Crafts' finishing shop in Nairobi’s industrial district, roughly a dozen artisans of varied ethnicity transform raw soapstone by using non-toxic synthetic dyes under the leadership of Charles Ndibe. Charle's exacting standards of quality and friendly demeanor make him one of Swahili Modern's most reliable vendors.

These solid soapstone hearts are hand-carved in the western hills of Kenya, then dyed and etched by artisans in Nairobi.

The hearts come in the colors shown and are decorated with finely etched lines. Each heart measures 2"L x 2"W x 1.25"T and feels "chubby" when held in the hand.

Makes a great gift or wedding favor!

About the Artisans:

Bosma's father once owned a thriving workshop in downtown Nairobi, and he taught Bosma the crafts of woodworking and carving soapstone. Following in his footsteps, Bosma and his sister Pamela continue to produce artworks of various mediums and also help other Kenyan craftspeople to export their works.

These healing Wise Words, hand carved from soft soapstone and hand etched, will become cherished reminders for you or to give as gifts. Kenyan artisans craft these heart paperweights then add a lovely dyed finish.

Measures 5"L x 4.5"W x 0.75"T but due to the handcrafted nature of this product, sizes may vary slightly.

About the Artisans:

Richard Makaya is a master of soapstone carving and works directly with artisans in the Kisii district where soapstone is mined and carved. Richard is known for his attention to detail and eye for design.

Hand-carved from soapstone in Kenya, then dyed vibrant colors with etched details, these adorable little birds will add a fun decorative touch in the home or as gifts.

Colors and size may vary slightly. Measure 1.75"T x 2.25"L x 1.5"W.

About the Artisans:

Richard Makaya is a master of soapstone carving and works directly with artisans in the Kisii district where soapstone is mined and carved. Richard is known for his attention to detail and eye for design. His winning smile and personality makes him one of Swahili's most admired and long-standing partners.

With a wide grin and bright pink color, this hippo was made to remind us all the importance of joy! Carved from soft soapstone, and hand-dyed, this figure makes a great gift for hippo enthusiasts of all ages.

Measures 5"L x 3"W x 4"T. Due to the handmade nature of this item, size and color may vary slightly.

About the Artisans:

At the Ndima Crafts' finishing shop in Nairobi's industrial district, roughly a dozen artisans of varied ethnicity transform raw soapstone by using non-toxic synthetic dyes under the leadership of Charles Ndibe. Charle's exacting standards of quality and friendly demeanor make him one of Swahili Modern's most reliable vendors.

Soft soapstone is transformed into tropical art for the home by Kenyan artisans. Hand-dyed aqua with etched details, these sculptures make a lovely gift for underwater enthusiasts of all ages.

Fish measure 4"L x 1.5"W x 3"T. Due to the handmade nature of each item, color and size may vary slightly.

About the Artisans:

Richard Makaya is a master of soapstone carving and works directly with artisans in the Kisii district where soapstone is mined and carved. Richard is known for his attention to detail and eye for design.

Hand carved from soapstone by artisans in Kenya's Kisii Highlands, this set of toucan birds with brighten a shelf or table with its coloration made with purple and aqua blue dye.

Includes one large and one small. Sizes: [Large] 1.75"L x 1.75"W x 4"T; [Small] 1.5"L x 1.5" W x 3"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur.

About the Artisans:

At the Ndima Crafts' finishing shop in Nairobi's industrial district, roughly a dozen artisans of varied ethnicity bring raw soapstone to life by using non-toxic synthetic dyes under the leadership of Charles Ndibe. Charle's exacting standards of quality and friendly demeanor make him one of Swahili Modern's most reliable vendors.

Hand carved from soapstone by artisans in Kenya, this set of beautifully dyed aqua sea inhabitants brighten a shelf or table with its vividly dyed coloration.

Includes four whales each measuring 2"L x 1.75"W x 2"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur.

About the Artisans:

At the Ndima Crafts' finishing shop in Nairobi's industrial district, roughly a dozen artisans of varied ethnicity bring raw soapstone to life by using non-toxic synthetic dyes under the leadership of Charles Ndibe. Charle's exacting standards of quality and friendly demeanor make him one of Swahili Modern's most reliable vendors.

Be inspired with these small hand carved keepsakes that are dyed and hand etched from Kenyan soapstone. They will be cherished reminders for you or to give as gifts.

Measures 3.5"T x 3.5"W but due to the handcrafted nature of this product, sizes may vary slightly.

About the Artisans:

Richard Makaya is a master of soapstone carving and works directly with artisans in the Kisii district where soapstone is mined and carved. Richard is known for his attention to detail and eye for design.