Soapstone Elephant Trunk-up Votive

Hand-carved from a single piece of Kisii soapstone by African artisans, this elephant votive/tea-light holder is a fun way to add a global touch to your home, office or outdoor space. Elephants are a symbol of strength, and a reminder of support for anyone facing a long, hard journey - for yourself, or your tribe of family or friends.  The elephant is carved trunk-up with a star on its back to radiate the light from a candle. 

• Measures approximately 6.5-inches long x 5 inches tall x 3.5 inches wide
• Soapstone is a soft, natural mineral from the earth, 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.
• 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 for factory employees. 
• Each piece can vary in color from creamy white to pink or orange. 

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 works with shovels, picks, axes and machetes to carve out large soapstone chucks, which are then carved into beautiful art. ​