As proof that granite has been carved for thousands of years, we go back even further to the ancient Egyptians. In the British Museum of London stands the head of the King of Thebes, which is a huge, red granite statue that used to stand at the temple of Mut at Karnak in Egypt. Only the head and arm survive, which is truly a miracle since oftentimes when a new pharaoh took over, he or she would destroy statues of the old pharaohs.

The red granite here is due to the high levels of iron ore in the granite that was used in this monument. Archaeologists date this head to 1370 BC. The carvers of this granite monument were skilled since the facial features are still recognizable despite evidence that the face has been altered in the past. One of the most well-preserved statues of its era, this granite monument is a testament to the longevity of granite and why it is a preferred stone for monuments, architecture, and memorials.