The gorgeous earth red of this bowl attracted me to it and the hippo of course, who is looking rather adorable although I have read that hippos have a fierce temper. Rather keep him cute and cosy in the bowl. This bowl is hand carved and painted by fairly paid workers in Kenya. Kisii Stone is a type of soapstone found only in the Kisii region of South Western Kenya. Soapstone is an ideal material for kitchen ware as it is structurally dense and moisture clings only to the surface of soapstone and is unable to force its way inside, even under pressure. Soapstone, while soft (as stones go) is beautiful and tactile. The skill of the carvers and artisans is incredible especially when you see first hand the hand held tools used. The Red Hippo Soapstone Bowl is crafted by Art Safi, a registered self-help group in Tabaka in Kisii, Kenya. With over 40 artisans employed they are significant in raising the standard of living for local people. They also actively promote the employment of women in the soapstone industry. Last year Shared Earth worked with Tabaka\'s fair trade advisor and focussed on challenging the role of women in the production of soapstone. Women mainly sand and polish the stone - the lowest paid part of the process. Tabaka rose to the challenge and are now training the women artisans to carve and paint the soapstone products. Specifications Size: Diameter 10cm Story Shared Earth\'s mission is to improve the livelihoods of disadvantaged people in developing countries, benefiting local community projects and keeping alive traditional skills that would otherwise be lost. Shared Earth have donated 200 masks to the Tabaka carvers and their wider community. They have also donated 4 hand washing barrels and provided training on soap making an income generating activity aimed at helping the community through the down turn in craft trade. Shared Earth aims: To pay fair prices for the products they buy To ensure working conditions are acceptable To provide advice on design and product development To support suppliers and their local communities To avoid child labour To commit to long term relationships with suppliers