alabaster

The first step that is necessary to take in order to get to know the meaning of the term alabaster is to discover its etymological origin. In this case, we can determine that it is a word that derives from Greek, specifically from "alabaster". This word was used to refer to a series of containers that were identified by being pear-shaped and because they were used to preserve perfumes.

From that Greek word, then the Latin "alabaster" arose.

The alabaster it's a kind of stone of white color that is used for the realization of decorative objects or sculptures.

It is usually a kind of cast which, although it is compact, does not have great hardness. Although it is not so hard it can be damaged with some ease, this same characteristic allows it to be shaped or carved with great precision.

One of the most frequent uses of alabaster in ancient times was the manufacture of the containers where they were stored perfumes. By extension, those glasses lacking handles.

Numerous are the artistic works that during history have been made using alabaster as a material. Precisely one of the most significant is a statue of the Egyptian queen Tiye, the former wife of Pharaoh Amenhotep III and grandmother of Tutankhamun. It was found in the funerary temple of her husband.

"The alabaster vase", in this framework, is the name of a story of the Argentine writer Leopoldo Lugones. First published in 1923, in the story an alabaster glass of the Ancient Egypt, which housed a perfume for thirty centuries.

Being translucent, alabaster was also used in Windows And in the tulips waves screens of lighting products. Alabaster was usually combined with other materials.

It is important to mention that alabaster objects must be carefully cared for to avoid damage. As the material dissolves in Water, should not be exposed to moisture. Pollutant particles in the air, on the other hand, tend to stain it. Specialists recommend cleaning it only with soft bristle brushes. They also suggest handling the alabaster elements with gloves so as not to stain or scratch them.

Likewise, we must not forget that in the Urgell area there is the so-called Sarral Alabaster Museum. In this town, it belongs to the province of Tarragona, it is where such a unique cultural and ethnographic center has been shaped where this material is given prominence, which has become a key part of the life of the place.

Those who visit it have the opportunity to see in situ a long list of articles that, over the years, have been made with the aforementioned alabaster, such as railings or windows. Not forgetting that a workshop is offered with which visitors can touch the material as well as learn to shape it and develop an artistic work with it.