Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

The cross of intersection of Mouthiers-sur-Boëme is a 17th century monument, erected on a base and an older barrel. The base, rectangular in shape, supports an almost cylindrical barrel, slightly flared at its base and top. This type of cross, typical of rural areas, often served as a spiritual and geographical landmark for travellers and local residents.

The cross has two carved sides: one represents the Crucifixion, the central symbol of the Christian faith, while the other shows the Virgin to the Child, a common iconography in the religious art of the time. These representations reflect the importance of Marian and Christian devotion in the daily life of rural communities in the seventeenth century, a period marked by a strong influence of the Catholic Church.

Classified as a Historical Monument by decree of 13 July 1926, this cross is now owned by the commune of Mouthiers-sur-Boëme. Its location, in the hamlet of Gersac, and its state of conservation make it a valuable testimony of art and local religious practices. The accuracy of its location is estimated as fair, with an approximate address at 1 Rue de la Croix.

In modern times, cross-crosses played a major social and symbolic role. They often marked territorial boundaries, gathering places or prayer points, thus strengthening community cohesion around shared values. In a region such as the Poitou-Charentes, where agriculture dominated the economy, these monuments also served as landmarks for peasants and pilgrims.

External links