In the past, stone picking (pikimentu di piedra) was a tradition for many people in Rincon. They used to collect stones for various reasons—among others, to sell or to build houses. They would gather stones from the countryside and along the coast, then use them in the foundation of houses.

This is something Marjolein’s older brothers also did—picking stones to place in the foundations of their elders’ homes. Sixty years ago, when Marjolein was six years old, she went with her brothers to collect stones. They brought back a very special stone that gained
meaningful significance for their family. Marjolein’s brothers didn’t place this particular stone in a house foundation, but instead used it for decoration and to prop open doors so they wouldn’t slam shut.

Many family members later gave the stone a different function. Marjolein made a decoration with it and placed it in the living room. Every time someone in the family moved out, she would bring the stone back inside. In the past, whenever Marjolein didn’t listen to her mother, she would stomp her foot on the stone.

Once, she even broke her toe doing that. The stone did a lot of work—it helped her mother around the house and helped discipline Marjolein when she wouldn’t listen. It became an important part of
their home’s interior, reminding them of a time full of history, love, and tradition.