steatite

(noun)

Also known as Soapstone, steatite is a talc-schist, which is a type of metamorphic rock. It is very soft and has been a medium for carving for thousands of years.

Related Terms

Examples of steatite in the following topics:

  • Harappan Culture

    • Indus Valley excavation sites have revealed a number of distinct examples of the culture’s art, including sculptures, seals, pottery, gold jewelry, and anatomically detailed figurines in terracotta, bronze, and steatite—more commonly known as Soapstone.
    • The Indus River Valley Civilization created figurines from terracotta, as well as bronze and steatite.

  • Ancient Egyptian Art

    • Carvings  of vases, amulets, and images of deities and animals were made of steatite.