The craft of stonemasonry (or stonecraft) has existed since humanity could use and make tools, creating buildings, structures, and sculpture using stone from the earth. These materials have been used to construct many of the long-lasting, ancient monuments, artifacts, cathedrals, and cities in a wide variety of cultures. Stonemasons use a wide variety of tools to handle and shape stone blocks (ashlar) and slabs into finished articles. The basic tools for shaping the stone are a mallet, chisels, and a metal straight edge. In ancient China, buildings were constructed by timber and bricks, but stones were indispensible. The baluster of the palace, temple and hall were all made of stone; the steps in front of the hall, the stone frame of the gate, and the drum-shaped bearing stone were all made of stone; and the eaves gallery of some palaces and halls used stone pillars. The stonemason constructed the granite path, the stone floor, and the stone railing and stone bridge of gardens and parks.