Our Pumpkin Box is made of grey soapstone and was hand carved by our Haitian Artisans. The stone is soaked in water to make it easier to handle. It then is hammered, chiseled and filed to get the right lines. This process could take hours depending on the piece they are creating. They then sand and buff to get the soft luster on the pieces.

Comite Artisanal Haitien, supports over 200 artisans and their rich vibrant culture. The organization has helped these skilled artisans, to promote their generation old heirloom crafts. The various crafts practiced by Haitien artisans include, unique metal artworks, river stone carvings, paper mache masks, basketry and hand painted wooden products.

• Size varies slightly on soapstone boxes due to they are handmade
• Dimensions are approximately - 5-1/2'' - 6" high x 6'' diameter

Handmade in Haiti and fair trade imported.

Soapstone carving goes back 3,000 years to China then spread to the Cretan people of Greece, the Egyptians, the Vikings and Zimabwe, Africa, Iran, mainland Europe and the Inuit tribes of Alaska and throughout the Americas. Soapstone is a metamorphic rock, which means it changes from one type of stone to another through time and pressure; it also has a talc base. Because of its malleability, it has been used as a carving material for centuries.

The color of soapstone changes, depending on the location and proximity of various mineral deposits in the local area. Colors can be green, black, white, and pink and some stone has flecks in it based on the mineral content that can change the hues and markings.

Haitian soapstone carvings are primarily gray, green or white. Since the 2011 earthquake, Haitian artisans have increased their production of their wonderful soapstone crafts to create much needed sources of income. Many items are whimsical and fun, yet show incredible craftsmanship.