Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Dolmen de Kerveresse, also known as Er Roh or Men Drein, is a megalithic monument emblematic of the Neolithic, located in the municipality of Locmariaquer, Morbihan. This site, classified as historical monuments since 1889, illustrates the funerary architecture of this period, with a partially preserved room and engraved orthostats. Its present condition preserves only the chamber and initiates a once longer corridor, bounded by thirteen erect stones supporting two covering slabs.

In 1867, the archaeologist Lukis made a topographical survey of the dolmen, contributing to his scientific documentation. Among the features of the site are motifs engraved on three orthostats, including a stylized representation of the buttocks and an axe emmanché, enhanced by a natural formation of the stone in the form of an arc. The slab covering the chamber also has cupulas, hemispherical digging typical of megalithic art. These decorative elements suggest a symbolic or ritual dimension related to neolithic funeral practices.

The Kerveresse dolmen is part of a landscape rich in prehistoric remains, characteristic of the Carnac region and the Gulf of Morbihan. Its early protection (1889) reflected the interest in preserving megalithic monuments as early as the 19th century, which were threatened by agricultural activities or stone removals. Today, the site remains a major witness to the engineering and beliefs of Breton Neolithic societies, although its access corridor has disappeared.

Available sources, including the work of Anne-Louise Hamon (1994) and Zacharie Le Rouzic (1965), highlight the importance of dolmen in the inventory of protected sites in Morbihan. Its approximate location, noted as "a priori satisfactory" (level 6/10), and its cadastral address (park F 793) are referenced in the Merimée base, confirming its territorial and administrative anchoring in the municipality of Locmariaquer (code Insee 56116).

External links