Soapstone Carving Assemblage

Abstract

Soapstones of varying colours abound in the mountainous and hilly areas of Ghana but its usage in modern Ghanaian sculpture remains rare. The article aims at popularizing soapstone as a suitable raw material for creating soapstone relief carving assemblage sculptures among modern Ghanaian practising sculptors. Through studio-based experimental approach, the article presents three distinct composite soapstone relief carving assemblages mounted on boards for their aesthetic enjoyment. The study revealed that relief carving assemblages could be produced with soapstone without it being necessarily heavy and bulky while maintaining its aesthetical efflorescence and durability.

Keywords: Soapstone, Relief sculpture, Assemblage, Carving, Composite