The products produced by stonemasonry are unique by today’s standards. This is for two reasons. Firstly, the products are built to last, possibly hundreds of years, and secondly, they are beautiful to look at. Few other products of the 21st century can make the same claims. Furthermore, there is something profound about working with ancient rock. Perhaps it’s the knowledge that they are millions of years old and formed by a primordial mayhem of heat and intense pressure? Moreover, maybe it’s that we know each perfectly placed stone that creates a building, structure, or wall has been skilfully chosen by a human hand?
Stonemasonry is an Ancient Skill
As the Neolithic Age progressed, 9000 BCE to 3000 BCE, we began to give up our nomadic ways and settle. We began farming and building communal settlements and temples, many made from stone. The Megalithic Temples of Malta provide the earliest well-preserved stone-built buildings dating back to 3,500 to 2,500 BCE. These temples are older than the more well-known Pyramids and Stonehenge. And so, what about the apparent mystery about the construction of these epic constructions? Could Aliens have really built them? Probably not. In fact, a retired American construction engineer, Wally Wallington, claims he can replicate Stonehenge with nothing more than a few levers and some practical maths. You can see him in action here.
Stonemasons Today
Fortunately, stonemasonry is alive and well today, if a little diminished. We still see the skills of the stonemason displayed in buildings, walls and structures. Indeed, structural landscapers use stone as their first choice. Primarily because it’s a medium meant to last. Also, stone provides outstanding beauty to any form and will continue to do so for many decades. Also, with today’s expanded choice of stone available, stone-built walls and buildings needn’t be beyond most people’s budget.
