{"product_id":"vintage-african-style-carved-soapstone-bearded-elder-head-bust-small-3-2-in","title":"Vintage African Carved Soapstone Bearded Elder Head Bust Small 3.2 in","description":"\u003cp\u003eOverview\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA small hand-carved soapstone bust of a bearded older man. He has a bald crown, tufts of hair at the sides and back, open eyes, and a full carved beard. The face and head are smoothed and polished, while the hair and beard are left rough and textured for contrast. Tan stone with natural mottling. It stands on a flat base and makes a nice desk or shelf piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBackground\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarved in the style of East African soapstone work, such as the Kisii carvings of western Kenya. Carvers shape the soft stone with simple hand tools and sanding, often leaving hair rough against a polished face. Elder portraits like this one are a common subject. The exact maker and date are unknown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood vintage condition. No chips or cracks seen. Small natural pits in the stone and light surface wear. Please see all photos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions \u0026amp; Weight\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 3.2 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidth: 1.5 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDepth: 1.2 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight: about 2 oz\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShipping\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFree standard shipping within the US, packed securely.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60062175199518,"sku":"BA-1210","price":22.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/WhatsAppImage2026-09-27at08.23.03_5.jpg?v=1790512932","url":"https:\/\/belleafrikarts.com\/products\/vintage-african-style-carved-soapstone-bearded-elder-head-bust-small-3-2-in","provider":"Belle Afrik Arts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}