Historically, land boundaries were often delineated by durable, naturally occurring materials. These physical demarcations, typically unworked or roughly hewn rocks, served as a visual record of ownership and prevented encroachment. An example might be a large boulder placed at the corner of a parcel or a row of smaller stones outlining a property line.
Such permanent boundary indicators provided a clear and lasting method for establishing ownership, reducing disputes, and facilitating the transfer of land across generations. Their longevity makes them valuable historical artifacts, offering insights into past land use and ownership patterns. In modern times, these physical markers, while sometimes supplemented or replaced by more precise surveying techniques, still hold legal weight in some areas and contribute to a historical understanding of place.