An operative or working mason identified his work by carving on the stone a mark that was associated only with him. This enabled him to demonstrate how much work he had done, which, in turn, formed the basis for the amount he was paid at the end of a particular period. Speculative masons have copied this aspect by adopting marks in different branches of freemasonry, which identify them in their rituals. For example, see E. Fitzgerald, "On ancient Mason’s Marks at Youghal and elsewhere and the secret language for the craftsmen of the Middle Ages in Ireland", Journal of the Kilkenny and South East Archaeological Society, ii (1858/89), p.67.
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