The Soapstone Sculpture Industry in Gusii, Kenya: Development of a Comprehensive Indigenous Industry Based on Residential Areas

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  • ITAKU Shiori
    Graduate School of Humanities, Tokyo Metropolitan University JSPS

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Other Title
  • ケニア・グシイ地方のソープストーン彫刻産業
  • ケニア・グシイ地方のソープストーン彫刻産業 : 居住地を拠点にした総合的地場産業の発達
  • ケニア ・ グシイ チホウ ノ ソープストーン チョウコク サンギョウ : キョジュウチ オ キョテン ニ シタ ソウゴウテキ ジバ サンギョウ ノ ハッタツ
  • ─居住地を拠点にした総合的地場産業の発達─

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Abstract

<p>This paper examines the process from quarrying to sales in the soapstone sculpture industry in the Gusii region of western Kenya. Soapstone is a kind of talc that is smooth to touch. The sculpture style, Kisii Stone is an art form popular with tourists in Kenya and elsewhere in East Africa. This paper is based on surveys in the Tabaka area in Kisii County, which is the center of this industry, and provides information on the establishment of the industry and the involvement of people in the production area. Overall, 126 individuals participated in the interview survey, and the household survey was conducted in a total of 171 households.</p><p>The results of this research verify that the whole process related to soapstone production constitutes a comprehensive industry in the region comprising many individuals in different roles. Additionally, the results of the supplementary household survey indicate that about 90% of the surveyed households make a living in this industry.</p><p>The aforementioned findings confirm that the industry creates employment, as well as adds value as an art or craft for products, because individuals perform all processes at the production site. Additionally, the nature of the weight of stone also protects production-based employment.</p>

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