Rauville, I think you have nailed the type of rock that it is, Steatite (Black Pipestone). It does feel soapy to the touch so I guess it could also be soapstone but I'm thinking Steatite. I've done some searches on it and have found a lot of references for it and carved statues, figurines and other items going way back.
Thanks mariok54 for posting those images, it does resemble the rock I have so I'm not positive if it's one or the other but it looks like there is references to Steatite as soapstone on some sites that I have seen. BTW, I like that soapstone figure you have!