Kisii Soapstone Carvings

Chess sets

Name: Chess sets
Brand: Kisii Soapstone Crafts
SKU: SAN-P-000309

Made by Mzee Ouma · Kisii, Kenya

Offered by Kisii Soapstone Crafts

Price on request

Named to its maker
Maker paid fairly
Insured delivery

The story

Discover the art of strategy, culture and craftsmanship through our exclusive collection of handmade chess sets, crafted from natural Kisii soapstone in Tabaka, Kisii, Kenya. Each chess set brings together the timeless game of chess and the artistic heritage of Kisii soapstone carving. From the King and Queen to the Bishops, Knights, Rooks and Pawns, every piece is carefully shaped, sanded and polished by skilled Kenyan artisans. Our collection features different chess-piece designs, sizes, colours and artistic interpretations, making each set distinctive. Some designs embrace classic chess aesthetics, while others incorporate African cultural influences, celebrating the creativity and identity of Kenya. More than a game, these chess sets are expressions of art, patience, intelligence and craftsmanship. They make exceptional additions to living rooms, offices, libraries, boardrooms and private collections, as well as meaningful gifts for chess enthusiasts, collectors and lovers of African art. Craftsmanship & Impact Every purchase supports the traditional soapstone carving industry in Tabaka, creating opportunities for local artisans and contributing to the livelihoods of the communities involved in transforming natural stone into beautiful works of art. A timeless game. A Kenyan artistic heritage. A masterpiece to treasure.

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The Thread of Days

20 days of making

Sourcing & preparation
Kisii soapstone
Setting up
Handcarved
20 days of making
Worked entirely by hand, without shortcuts.
Finishing & documentation
Inspected, photographed and entered into the register.

Specifications

Craft & origin: Kisii Soapstone Carvings · Kisii County
Technique: Handcarved
Materials: Kisii soapstone
Weight: 2000 g
Days to make: 20
Year: 2026
Sanchaari ID: SAN-P-000309

Provenance

Reviewed & documented by the Sanchaari desk. A unit provenance record is issued at first sale.

The Sanchaari mark

Named to the hands that made it
Vouched for, not just typed
A record from the first sale
The share is published

What this means

Named to the hands that made it. This piece is listed to Mzee Ouma, with their own page and Sanchaari ID — not to a brand, a warehouse or a reseller.
Vouched for, not just typed. Its maker is a reviewed, approved member of the Sanchaari register, and the piece is listed under their name. When its record is issued the Desk checks it against its profile.
A record from the first sale. When it sells, it receives a provenance record on a tamper-evident chain that anyone can verify, for as long as the piece exists.
The share is published. What of the price goes to the maker is stated on Sanchaari, not hidden. The people who make the work are paid as the page says.

How provenance works

Made by

Mzee Ouma

Master Soapstone Artisan · Kisii, Kenya

Mzee Ouma is a highly experienced Kisii soapstone artisan who has dedicated over 30 years of his life to the art of stone carving. His craftsmanship reflects a deep connection to the rich artistic heritage of the Kisii community in western Kenya, where soapstone carving has been passed down through generations. With decades of hands-on experience, Mzee Ouma brings exceptional skill, patience, and attention to detail to his work. His years of practice have given him a deep understanding of the natural beauty and unique characteristics of soapstone. Through his craftsmanship, he helps preserve the tradition of Kisii soapstone carving while creating beautiful, timeless pieces that bring African artistry into modern homes. At Kisii Soapstone Crafts, we are proud to celebrate Mzee Ouma's dedication, experience, and contribution to Kenya's handmade art industry. Every carving represents years of skill, cultural heritage, and the enduring beauty of handmade African art.

More about Mzee →