How did early masons ensure the quality of their given trade?

Early masons ensured the quality of their trade primarily by keeping methods secret. This practice was rooted in the guild system, where skilled tradespeople maintained proprietary knowledge that was crucial for craftsmanship and quality in masonry. The secrecy surrounding techniques, materials, and the specific ways of constructing was important for maintaining a competitive advantage in the marketplace. It also helped uphold standards within the trade, as only those who were initiated or trained could access this specialized knowledge.

Maintaining confidentiality about their methods allowed masons to control the quality of the work, ensuring that only those educated in these techniques could properly execute masonry tasks. The emphasis on secrecy meant that quality was often equated with tradition and expertise, passed down through generations within trusted circles. This method of operation ultimately contributed to the reputation and reliability of masonry as a skilled trade throughout history.