Stone Money

Rai stones are large circular stone disks (coins if you like) carved out of limestone with a large hole in the middle they may weigh up to several tons. They were used by Yap islanders in Micronesia for social transactions such as marriage, inheritance, political deals, sign of an alliance, ransom of the battle dead or just in exchange for food. The value of the stone was based not just on their size and craftsmanship but also on their history. On one occasion a stone, being transported by canoe, was dropped into the sea it was never recovered but everyone assumed that it was still there so it continued to be circulated. With the introduction of Iron tools in the 19th century a form of inflation set in and the stones became of less value. The attached images are open source from Wikipedia so you can find more information there. Thanks to Chris Haddow for bringing these very interesting items to my attention.

The entry on 25th March is a kissing gate.

More from Danny Woodward

This photo shows another example of the way Danny combines steps with walls using a mixture of coursing and strong uprights. I really like this type of landscaping and look forward to seeing the same area later when the planting is complete. For molre information about Danny's work contact him on nonservum@hotmail.com 
The entry on18th March shows amazing "coins" .

An old problem with trees

I have recently had to do a repair on a farm near home. A couple of hundred years ago a line of trees were planted, close to, but at the time seemingly far enough away from the wall not to do any damage. Nowadays that estates do not want to chop down beautiful mature trees I often have to deal with the long term result. This involves bridging large roots and sometimes putting in a lintel to give the tree freedom to grow for another fifty years or so.
The entry on 17th March will be another example from the work of Danny Woodward.

Danny Woodward

This is a fine example of the effect that Danny Woodward can achieve with his dry stone work. I have the  feeling looking at this photo that the steps are flowing peacefully from the walls.

Another Australian Wall

This photo of a cleverly built wall was sent to me by Duncan Haddow . He saw it when visiting a park in  Queensland. This is well done with what looks like very irregular blocks of rock. Takes considerable skill to end up with a neat wallend and a flat top using this type of material.

Walls in Australia.

This wall was photographed by my son Duncan. He saw it in the Botanical Gardens in Sydney. I know that Geoff Duggan, a mastercraftsman with the Dry Stone Walling Association of GB,  works there and assume that this shows his influence.
More walls from Australia on 7th March.

Retaining wall by Russ Beardsley

Here is a fine example of a retaining wall. Although not yet complete with coping rocks it does show how the back should be filled with hard material which will allow adequate drainage. In addition the wallend is constructed in traditional style. For more of his work go to http://www.borrowedground.com/ 

On the 1st of March I am posting a very unusual picture.

Turf coping by Jason Hoffman

I have posted several of Jasons dry stone features in the past and this one shows the system of turf coping which was once quite common in the hill farms in the West of Scotland but now rarely seen . Usually the turf is either heather or a double layer of grass. The sods are cut much thicker than those normally provided for lawns. The lower layer is placed with the vegetation down which acts in the same way as a coverband. Often in a dry summer the grass will turn brown but will return to its fresh green whenever the rain arrives. Not a long wait in most parts of our country. To see more of Jason's projects go to http://www.stoneinspired.com/

The next posting on 25th Feb. is a retaining wall by North American waller Russ Beardsley.

Johnny Clasper

Johnny is a sculptor and dry stone waller who blends the two disciplines brilliantly. He clearly is fascinated by dry stone  and scorpions. He calls his work playing. I like that .
For a good look at his creations go to  http://www.johnnyclasper.co.uk/ 

My entry on 21st. Feb shows recent work by Edinburgh dyker Jason Hoffman

More from the UAE

Some dry stone work close to the city of Fujairah. The lower photo shows where a recent archeological dig took place. It is thought that the round structures were ancient burial mounds close to a farm.

My entry on 13th February is of something my Grand-daughter found on the roadside. It raised a question that I could not answer perhaps someone else can.