{"product_id":"soapstone-book-holder-hippo","title":"Soapstone Book Holder – Hippo","description":"\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\" data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003eThe Soapstone Book Holder – Hippo is a beautifully handcrafted decorative and functional accessory made in Kenya using natural soapstone and dye. Featuring a distinctive hippopotamus design, it combines traditional Kenyan stone-carving craftsmanship with practical functionality. Its sturdy construction makes it ideal for supporting and organizing books, while its artistic design adds a unique touch of African wildlife-inspired elegance to homes, offices, libraries, hotels, and reception areas. It also makes a meaningful cultural souvenir or thoughtful gift for book lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;\"\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOrigin: Kenya\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Soapstone and dye\u003cbr\u003eSize: Length 11 cm × Width 8 cm × Height 17 cm\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 3 kg\u003cbr\u003eUse: Ideal for holding and supporting books, keeping them neatly arranged and organized on shelves, desks, and tables. Its handcrafted hippopotamus design also makes it a decorative accessory for homes, offices, libraries, hotels, and reception areas. It is suitable as a cultural souvenir, collectible, or thoughtful gift for book lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.\u003cbr\u003eAvailability: Made to order within 5–10 days.\u003cbr\u003eCustomization: Can be customized in different sizes and colours upon request.\u003cbr\u003eMaintenance: Dust gently with a clean, soft, dry cloth to remove dirt and preserve its natural beauty.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProduct Story\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRooted in Kenya's rich tradition of soapstone carving, the Soapstone Book Holder – Hippo showcases the skill and creativity of local artisans, particularly those from the Kisii region, renowned for its soapstone craftsmanship. The making process begins with carefully selecting natural soapstone, which is cut into manageable pieces before being shaped and carved by hand into the distinctive form of a hippopotamus. Artisans use carving tools to refine the animal's features and create a stable structure suitable for supporting books. The surface is then carefully sanded and smoothed before dye is applied to achieve the desired colour. Finally, the piece is polished to enhance its finish and bring out the beauty of the handcrafted design.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSoapstone carving holds cultural and economic significance in Kenya, particularly among the Gusii community, where the craft has been practiced and passed down through generations. Traditionally, soapstone has been used to create decorative sculptures, household objects, and artistic pieces that reflect local creativity and craftsmanship. The hippopotamus design draws inspiration from Kenya's rich wildlife heritage, celebrating one of the country's most recognizable animals. By transforming natural soapstone into a functional book holder, this piece connects traditional Kisii carving techniques with contemporary interior décor, preserving Kenya's artistic heritage while celebrating African wildlife and craftsmanship.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Culture Hub","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":68171090428064,"sku":null,"price":38.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0470\/9852\/7904\/files\/YxyWRgOr19.png?v=1793349401","url":"https:\/\/mawuafrica.com\/de\/products\/soapstone-book-holder-hippo","provider":"Mawu Africa","version":"1.0","type":"link"}