Three smooth soapstone hippos come packed in a wooden crate stuffed with crinkly paper. Hand carved in Western Kenya, these stylized hippos come in beautiful colors with African design motifs across their broad backs and sides.

A Crate of Hippos make quick and easy gifts for family, friends, and co-workers. Each crate is packaged in shrink wrap for safe shipping and is wrapped with a colorful bow for immediate giving.

A Large Crate of Soapstone Hippos

These hippos were produced under the Fair Trade Movement where artisans are paid a fair price in advance for their products and work in safe working conditions. Fair Trade provides the framework for empowering the disadvantaged of the world to make a fair living and provide for themselves and their families.

What is Soapstone Anyway?

Soapstone is a natural stone that is mined from pits. Artisans carve the hippos then smooth rough edges with sandpaper dipped in water. Paint in African motifs is applied in brilliant colors. Soapstone feels cool and smooth to the touch and not at all soapy!

Hippos vary slightly in size but range from 2 1/2″ to 3″ long and 1 1/2″ to 2″ high. Soapstone tends to be fragile but chips can be smoothed with water and sandpaper.

If you can’t live without A Large Crate of Soapstone Hippos, buy it here.