Kivivormide

Kivivormide, often translated as stone molds or stone formwork, refers to a historical construction technique that utilized stones to create temporary or permanent molds for casting or shaping other materials, most commonly concrete or mortar. This method was particularly prevalent in ancient and medieval construction, especially where durable and readily available stone was abundant.

The process involved carefully selecting and arranging stones to form the desired shape or cavity. These stones would then act as a barrier, holding the wet casting material in place as it cured. In some instances, particularly for large-scale structures like arches or vaults, the stone molds might be incorporated into the final structure, becoming a permanent part of the edifice. In other cases, once the material within the mold had hardened, the stones would be removed, leaving behind the cast shape.

The advantages of using kivivormide included the stones' durability, resistance to heat and moisture, and their availability in many regions. However, the labor-intensive nature of selecting, fitting, and removing these stone molds, along with the potential for imprecision, presented significant challenges. Despite these limitations, this technique played a crucial role in the development of monumental architecture and infrastructure for centuries, demonstrating an early mastery of formwork principles. The remnants of structures built using this method can still be found in various archaeological sites worldwide.