Abstract

This study examines the impacts of colonialism on the soapstone industry and the transformations that occurred during the colonial period in Tabaka, Kisii County. Central to this shift was the introduction of colonial taxation policies, which forced locals to seek cash income. Before colonization, soapstone was largely used in barter trade and held cultural significance among the Abagusii. The pioneer carvers came from the Bomware sub-clan of South Mugirango, whose craftsmanship established the foundation of the industry. The study explores mining and carving processes, noting how traditional methods of extraction and crafting evolved over time. Anchored in Dependency Theory, it analyzes how colonial economic policies restructured local economies, fostering reliance on cash systems while exploiting indigenous resources for external markets. A mixed-method approach was used, drawing on secondary sources such as books and journals, alongside primary data from archival research at the Kenya National Archives. Findings show that colonial taxation transformed soapstone from a cultural commodity into a cash-generating product. Carvings gained value as tourist items, while soapstone was also industrially utilized in making insulators, chalk, and detergents.

Keywords: Soapstone carvers, Economic hegemony, Colonialists, Indigenous people, Transformation, Barter trade, Cash income