This plate is handmade of soapstone or kisii, which is only found in the Tabaka Hills of western Kenya. The soft stone varies in color from cream to pink, and even black. Designs are carved into the stone with a kisu, a small knife, and the plate is then painted with safe vegetable dyes. In addition to the geometric patterns, the plate is adorned with images of guinea hens. Helmeted and vulturine guineafowl, birds indigenous to Kenya, may have been the inspiration for the images. The plate measures 12ö x 8.25.ö Since kisii is a highly absorbent stone, the plate should be for decorative use only.
