First phase of engravings Fin du Néolithique (≈ 2770 av. J.-C.)
Creation of black schematic paintings, ochres.
1985
Discovery of paintings
Discovery of paintings 1985 (≈ 1985)
Identification by R. Brandi and A. d'Anna.
7 avril 1992
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 7 avril 1992 (≈ 1992)
Additional inventory.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Shelter with its decorated walls (Box C 738): inscription by order of 7 April 1992
Key figures
R. Brandi - Archaeologist
Studyed and recorded the engravings in 1985.
A. d’Anna - Archaeologist
Collaborator at 1985 surveys.
Origin and history
The Donner is a major archaeological site located in the commune of Quinson, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Dipped in the eastern cliffs of the Saint-Michel spur, on the right bank of the Verdon, it houses walls decorated with engravings and rock paintings. These representations, performed in a karst channel, date mainly from the end of the Neolithic, with possible traces of the Chalcolithic or Protohistory. The patterns include schematic and anthropomorphic figures, made in black, ochre or red, such as the famous Sun of the Abri Donner, interpreted as a solar representation.
The paintings and engravings were discovered in 1985 and studied by R. Brandi and A. d-Anna. Their analysis suggests two distinct phases of execution: one at the end of the Neolithic, the other during the Chalcolithic or the early Iron Age. These works bear witness to the artistic and symbolic practices of local prehistoric communities. Their schematic style and their location in a natural shelter underline their ritual or cultural character, perhaps linked to solar or cosmogonical beliefs.
Filed with the additional inventory of historical monuments on 7 April 1992, the Donner Shelter is now protected for its exceptional archaeological value. A partial reproduction of its decorations is exhibited at the Musée de Préhistoire des gorges du Verdon in Quinson, allowing the public to discover this fragile heritage. The site illustrates the importance of Verdon gorges as a territory of settlement and artistic expression since prehistory.
