The soapstone carvings are made by artists and craftsmen in Tabaka, Western Kenya. Their workplaces are close to the quarries where the soapstone is mined. Soapstone is a greasy, soft stone. The different stages of production are: breaking the large stones, rough carving, detailed carving, sanding and polishing. Payment is done by piece rate. All people involved in the different production stages earn a living wage.