Stone sculpture has been a powerful medium for storytelling across cultures and centuries. Artists employ various techniques to transform solid rock into compelling narrative works that capture history, mythology, and human experiences. The most common stone sculpture techniques for creating narrative works include:

1. Relief Carving: This technique involves carving figures that remain attached to a solid background. Bas-relief (low relief) and haut-relief (high relief) allow for different levels of depth and detail in storytelling.

2. Freestanding Sculpture: Also known as sculpture in the round, this method creates three-dimensional works that can be viewed from all angles, perfect for complex narratives.

3. Incised Carving: Shallow cuts create outlines and details on flat stone surfaces, often used for symbolic or minimalist storytelling.

4. Pierced Carving: Removing stone to create openings allows light to pass through, adding dramatic effects to narrative compositions.

5. Additive Techniques: Some contemporary artists combine carved stone with other materials to enhance their storytelling capabilities.

Master sculptors often combine these techniques, using tools like chisels, mallets, and rasps to carefully remove stone while preserving the narrative integrity. The choice of stone - from soft soapstone to hard granite - significantly impacts the final storytelling effect. Contemporary narrative stone sculpture continues to evolve while maintaining connections to these ancient techniques.