QR3 THE DRAWING AND THE PLASTERS
The traces still present testify that the interiors of the Malavilla were completely plastered, a sign, once again, of the wealth of the building. Plastering was in fact a technique for the few. To make it, it was necessary to start by collecting limestone stones and cooking them in stone ovens (see the one still present in the locality of Predarezzo, Municipality of Calestano) or in specially made holes. A large quantity of wood was also needed. At the end of the cooking, the limestone stone "wilted" by chemical reaction, transforming into powder used together with the local inert to form the plaster or the masonry lime. The inert gave the plaster its color and grain and for this reason it changed from valley to valley creating an elegant shade of ochre (in perfect harmony with the environment) that today we are losing due to the absence of color plans and the advent of colors completely disconnected from the tradition of the territory.
There were alternative techniques, much poorer, and farmers once used them to obtain similar results that did not require this amount of work and material. Cialbature, sagramature were also techniques that with a little liquid lime managed to seal, more quickly, the cracks in the walls and to uniform and sanitize and give light to the interiors of the houses. Sometimes a broom of sorghum and a bucket of lime were enough.
In the Malavilla a charcoal drawing was found, made directly on the plaster surface, which is difficult to date.