Hand-carved from Kisii soapstone by African artisans, this unique 9-piece Nativity set includes each character in a modern sculpture. Each holy character is carved out of a single piece of stone to from a substantial statue. 

Because a variety of communities carve the statue, expect designs variations and color variation in the stone.  Photos show a representation of pieces. 

Product Features:

• Features 9 sculptures hand-carved from natural soapstone. Color variations can range from creamy white to pink to grey to gold in any single piece. 
• measure approximately as set : 8x8x9 inches
• Tallest piece measures approximately :1 3/4 x1 3/4 x 9 1/2 inches
• Middle piece measures approximately :1 3/4 x1 3/4 x 8 inches
• Smallest piece measures approximately :1 3/4 x1 3/4 x 5 1/2 inches
• Pieces include:

• Star
• 3 Wisemen
• Angel
• Shepherd
• Mary
• Jospeph
• Jesus

• Due to the handmade nature, actual size of each piece 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.

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 work with shovels, picks, axes and machetes to carve out large soapstone chucks, which are then brought to the workshop for carving and finishing.  The details carved into the stone are truly amazing.  Each etching carved by hand. 

Fair Trade:

• 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.