| Gusii Soapstone Industry: Critical Issues, Opportunities, Challenges & Future Alternatives Contributor(s): Onyambu, Mallion K. (Author), Akama, John S. (Author) |
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ISBN: 1926906756 ISBN-13: 9781926906751 Publisher: Nsemia Inc. OUR PRICE: $25.65 Product Type: Paperback Published: October 2018 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Art | African - History | Africa - East - Crafts & Hobbies | Carving |
| LCCN: 2018354472 |
| Physical Information: 0.29" H x 6" W x 9" (0.42 lbs) 134 pages |
| Themes: - Cultural Region - African |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: As is the case with most African indigenous industries, not much research has been done on the Gusii soapstone industry. Consequently, the main aim of this book is to fill the identified gap. Specifically, this book traces the origin of the Gusii soapstone industry, going through various stages, i.e. the Pre-Colonial, Colonial and Post-Colonial periods. Within this historical context, the book provides an elucidation of the social, economic, political and cultural factors that have impacted on the evolution and/or development of the soapstone industry. A critical issue captured in the book is the fact that, over the years, the soapstone handicraft products have been transformed from being items of utility for the local people to, mainly, becoming non-utility items that are sold to outsiders, particularly international tourists as unique pieces of indigenous handicraft and/or African art. However, it should be noted that, notwithstanding this transformation, indigenous cultural attributes and/or cultural themes that would have otherwise disappeared, due to increased impacts of globalization, are being preserved by the sculpturing of unique indigenous soapstone products. Furthermore, currently, the soapstone industry has become a major source of livelihood for the Gusii people of Tabaka in Southwestern Kenya. |
Contributor Bio(s): Onyambu, Mallion K.: - Mallion K. Onyambu pursued her undergraduate studies in the early 1990s at Kenyatta University, Kenya where she graduated with Bachelor of Education, Arts Degree. After many years of teaching in Kenyan high schools, she enrolled and completed her Master's Degree in History from Moi University in 2013. She is currently pursuing PhD studies in History at the same institution. Her research interests are in areas of economic history, gender studies, land use policy and planning, and African history.Akama, John S.: - Prof. John S. Akama, did his undergraduate studies in education at the University of Nairobi. He then proceeded to the USA for his Masters and PhD studies at Ohio University and Southern Illinois University, respectively. On returning to Kenya he joined Moi University as a Lecturer and rose to the rank of full Professor, teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Over the years, Prof. Akama has conducted extensive research and has published widely in diverse areas such as culture, sociology and tourism and wildlife conservation. Prof. John S. Akama is the current Vice Chancellor of Kisii University. Professor Akama is the author of The Gusii of Kenya: Social, Economic, Cultural, Political and Judicial Perspectives (Nsemia Inc. 2017) and The Untold Story: Gusii Survival Techniques & Resistance to Colonial Rule (Kisii University Press, 2018). |