The Soapstone Industry in Gusii, Kenya: A Field Study Examining Workers’ Lives and Relationships

Abstract

Western Kenya’s Gusii region is famous for its carved soapstone products, and the native industry largely sustains the Gusii people. For a duration of eight months, this research involved field interviews to capture the economic conditions of and relationships among the people making a living off the soapstone sculpture industry. To understand the economic situation, 14 people who were engaged in the soapstone sculpture industry—carvers, polishers, decorators, shining workers, and suppliers—were interviewed about their daily income. Further, to evaluate the importance of this livelihood for the Gusii people, this research uses the case study of a decorator, his household account book, and daily activities and expenses. Analysis of the household account book reveals the actual income and expenditures incurred in this industry. Parallelly, this study focuses on the industry processes and close interactions and relationships between various industry professionals, as well as their relationships with customers. The participant observation and interviews indicated that the soapstone sculpture industry is based on diverse and subtle relationships, sometimes with mutual help and sometimes with dishonest responses and reluctance. It was found that these relationships of interdependence and engagement help the soapstone sculpture workers survive and the industry thrive.