Soap Stone/ Green Stone Carving of Tamil Nadu

Soapstone (Maavu Kal) is used to carve small figures. The stones are polished to keep their natural colour and shine. Soapstone sculpture was created as a government training scheme and was led by craftsmen who migrated from Modayur in Tamil Nadu’s North Arcot district. This stone is mined in the Tamil Nadu districts of Tiruvannamalai and Salem.

Soapstone is a lighter material than granite, making it easier to carve. The procedure consists of rough cutting the stone to the desired scale without markings or drawing. The figure is then carved with a free hand, with no calculations. The international community of Auroville in Tamil Nadu has brought creative forms through its impact on the craft. Soap stone is used to carve stone statues, miniature dolls, animal figurines, agarbatti (incense) stands, and other decorative items.