In past times, they were also famous for their ironworking skills, as the country and its neighbors possessed rich iron deposits.

Due to the French's technological superiority, Kissi Kaba resorted mainly to guerilla tactics, thus delaying their conquest of his kingdom.

However, his relationship with the French gradually worsened, leading to them appointing his rivals in several of his chiefdoms and eventually to his execution in Siguiri.Although many Kissi have converted to Christianity, most continue practicing their traditional ethnic religion.

The Kissi people produced many carved soapstone figures and heads before colonial contact with the Europeans.

It is unclear why they were made; some scholars argue that they form part of ancestor worship, while others say they may represent gods to increase agricultural yields.