Marble, the stone of choice of the great civilisations
Many, if not most, of the great ancient civilisations have the use of marble in common. The way marble was used as well as the reasons for using it varied depending on the culture. However, when we take a look at cultural repositories, such as those of the Egyptians, the Greeks, or even those of the Asian Renaissance, there is a common denominator - that of aesthetic functionality and the noble use of marble.
For millennia, artists have chosen this metamorphic stone because of its soft, sculptural composition and translucent surface. In ancient Mesopotamia, marble was used to create crude animal models as well as natural and anthropomorphic figures.
Later, in ancient Egypt, marble became an object used for worship alongside gold, and together they formed the base upon which construction and decoration were designed. This natural stone was found in the tombs of pharoahs and high-ranking officials. Marble jars, containing the kings' vital organs, carved in the form of sacred animals, and inset with gold and other delicate carvings, were placed next to the sarcophagus to be carried with them to their afterlife.
In Ancient Greece, marble's almost transcendental beauty made it the material of choice for the sculpture of statues such as the Venus de Milo and for the construction of the finest houses. The Ancient Greeks used fine white marble to construct some of the most iconic buildings in the history of civilisations.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the European love for marble continued. This is seen in marble's use in the majestic floors of palaces, royal halls and cathedrals.
The Parthenon in Athens, the Colosseum in Rome, the Taj Mahal in India and the White House in the United States of America are some of the greatest reflections of how architects, sculptors and artisans have used marble to create beautiful buildings through the ages. A historical heritage that we, at MAAMI HOME, remember and honour every day.
Contact us today to find out more about our work with marble and the perfect MAAMI HOME piece for you.