A Dotted White Little Elephant in Soapstone

Description

This solid-soapstone hippo is hand-carved by Gusii or Abagusii artisans in western Kenya. Nairobi artists add a bright, hand-dyed finish, then etch in the facial features and circular body designs. These little happy hippos will bring a smile to your face. With his wide grin and vibrant fuchsia color, this hippo was made to remind his owner to do one thing: be happy!
Use this safari animal for everyday decorating on a shelf, desk or countertop. Also great as gifts for adults and children alike. With every product you purchase, you are helping these artisans have employment, educational opportunities and medical care.
Due to the nature of handcrafted african art, each soapstone hippo will vary slightly in size, weight and colour patterns. All our hippos are in good vintage condition with no major flaws.

Soapstone (or Steatite) is one of the softest mineral stone materials in the world, which makes it perfect for carvings, ceramics, etc. Soapstone contains many beautiful and varied colors such as brown, tan, cream, ivory, white, red, burgundy, pink, green, olive, grey, black, blue, orange and yellow. Metaphysically, Soapstone creates a positive energy around itself and exerts a calming influence on the person using it. It is used during changes in one’s life and helps to prepare you for it. Soapstone is thought to allow your ideas and inspirations to broaden, open and develop. Soapstone is known to open pathways between our physical plane and other planes of existence – for both sending and receiving. It allows you to give up old patterns and pathways and simply ‘go with the flow.’