Stone sculpture has been a powerful medium for conveying symbolic narratives across cultures and centuries. Among the most common techniques, relief carving stands out, where figures are carved into a flat stone surface to create depth and storytelling. High relief projects prominently from the background, while bas-relief remains shallow, often used in historical monuments.

Another key method is subtractive carving, where artists remove material to reveal the form, ideal for freestanding sculptures with deep symbolic meaning, such as religious icons or mythological figures. Incised carving involves etching designs into the stone’s surface, commonly seen in ancient hieroglyphs and memorial stones.

Additive techniques, though less common in stone, may involve assembling pieces to form symbolic compositions. Additionally, abrasion and polishing refine surfaces, enhancing details that carry narrative weight, like facial expressions in figurative works.

Each technique serves a unique purpose in storytelling, from the intricate symbolism of Egyptian obelisks to the expressive forms of Renaissance statues. Mastery of these methods allows sculptors to embed cultural, spiritual, or political messages into enduring stone.