The art of "alabaster" craftsmanship or sculpting is considered one of the most famous arts that dates back to the Pharaonic civilization. The inhabitants of the archaeological city of Qurna in Luxor Governorate are famous for alabaster craftsmanship, where they inherit this art from one generation to another. Their sculptures are characterized by a high degree of precision, to the extent that it is easy to confuse them with original Pharaonic statues at first glance.
This industry relies on the use of specific types of stones, abundant in the mountains of Luxor and Aswan governorates. These stones consist of natural marble-like gypsum, characterized by fine and highly transparent grains, ranging in color from pure white to reddish-brown. Marble, like other types of gypsum, is composed of marine deposits and has high malleability, but some rocky materials such as basalt and granite are relatively difficult to shape.
The shapes carved by craftsmen in Qurna vary, including Pharaonic kings such as Queen Nefertiti, King Tutankhamun, Ramses III, as well as hieroglyphic panels, Pharaonic boats, sacred jars, and other sculptures.
