The key role of the rock-pick hammer
The tools that a quarrier needed to extract marès-stone blocks measuring approximately 40×60 cm (2×3) or 60x20x33 cm (cantons) were a rock-pick hammer, a double-edge toothed stone-dressing axe, a mallet, metal wedges, a digging bar and two skilled hands. These steel-edged iron tools are heavy and have a handle made of wild olive wood, which is the most resistant material for withstanding either their impact against marès-stone or the weight of marès-stone blocks.
Using a rock-pick hammer is not merely a matter of cutting marès-stone, but of understanding that its consistency ranges from hard to soft. Therefore, this tool must adapt to the resistance of each stone with every strike.
Marès-stone extraction by hand consists of a few basic steps. First of all, the working bench is cleared, and long, parallel lines spaced 60 cm apart are marked. Next, these lines are cut with a rock-pick hammer to a depth of about 15-20 cm. Finally, using this same tool, a horizontal groove is cut beneath the blocks, where metal wedges are inserted. Finally, marès-stone blocks are detached by driving the wedges further in with a mallet.
A rock-pick hammer is used with an oblique striking motion to cut marès-stone, a technique that leaves a trace of each strike on its surface. It results in vibrant quarry walls that reveal the quarrymen’s effort behind each gesture and the marks left by the above-mentioned tool.
Le rôle central de l’escoude
L’escoude, le taillant, le maillet, les plaquettes (llaunes) et les coins, un pied-de-biche et deux bonnes mains: voilà tout ce dont un carrier avait besoin pour tailler des 2×3 (40×60) ou des cantons (approximativement). Ce sont des outils lourds, de fer à tranchant d’acier, avec un manche en olivier sauvage, assez dur pour absorber le geste et résister à la roche.
Manier l’escoude n’est pas seulement creuser, c’est comprendre une pierre parfois dure, parfois trop tendre. Et c’est découvrir qu’il faut la laisser commander, au rythme du va-et-vient de l’outil.
La stratégie d’extraction comporte quelques étapes essentielles :
L’escoude qui se manie avec un geste oblique pour tailler, grave aussi dans la roche la trace de chaque mouvement du carrier. Le résultat: des parois vibrantes où l’on peut lire l’effort du geste et la marque de l’outil.