The highlands of western Kenya contain vast deposits of a metamorphic stone known as steatite, soapstone or kisii stone. Under the knife of a talented Gusii carver, chunks of this soft, talc-like stone can be transformed into any shape imaginable.

The Gusii, or Abagusii, live in the Kisii District of Kenya's Nyanza Province, near Lake Victoria. Kisii is one of Kenya's most populated areas, and the Gusii are known to be very industrious, hard-working people. Their skill at carving soapstone, or kisii stone, has been refined over the past century.

This beautiful collection of Gusii soapstone pieces are hand-dyed at a Nairobi workshop. The faded finish, inspired by the azure tones of the Indian Ocean, add focal interest to each useful decorative piece.