Stone Processes

Stone is cut and carved away to create a finished object. The tools involved in carving stone have barely changed from the times of the Ancient Egyptians.

Some of the stones are softer than others, which means that they may not require as many of the processes as others. Limestone, lapis lazuli, marble and alabaster are all soft stones that are particularly good for sculpture. Porphyry is very difficult to carve and was shaped with chisels and by rubbing it against a rough surface to wear away the stone.

 

 

First large pieces of the stone are cut off at angles to give the rough shape. This is done with a tool called a pick. Next, various chisels are used for cutting away smaller pieces. These chisels leave marks that the sculptor can then smooth away with a rough type of paper called emery paper.  Drills are sometimes used to cut deep holes.  The final stage involves polishing the sculpture.