Hand Carved Soapstone Maasai Chess Set - 14" Board

Bring artisan craftsmanship to your game table with this hand-carved Maasai soapstone chess set, made by skilled artisans in Western Kenya using time-honored traditional techniques. With its striking pink and white inlaid board and individually carved pieces, this set is as captivating on display as it is in play.

Product Features:

• Board measures approximately 14–15 inches square and 0.25 inches high
• Chess pieces range from approximately 2.25 to 3.5 inches tall
• Hand-carved from Kisii soapstone — found only in the hills of southwestern Kenya
• Each piece sanded and waxed through multiple stages for a smooth, satiny finish
• Natural color variations make every set truly one-of-a-kind
• Soapstone is a soft stone — handle with care to preserve each piece
• Certified Fair Trade: supports safe workplaces, fair wages, and community investment

The Story Behind the Art:

Mining Kisii soapstone is a labor-intensive process rooted in tradition — laborers use shovels, picks, axes, and machetes to extract large stone blocks from surface hills with little to no machinery. Each piece is then individually carved by hand, transforming raw stone into heirloom-quality art. When you purchase this chess set, you're not just bringing home a game — you're supporting a living artisan tradition and helping alleviate global poverty through fair trade.

Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variations in size, color, and pattern are expected and celebrated as part of its unique character.