Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The dolmen de la Pichone, also known as the dolmen de la Pichoune, is a funeral monument dated to the Neolithic, located in the commune of Ménerbes, in the department of Vaucluse. It is one of the only three known dolmens in this department, and the few examples in Provence. This archaeological site bears witness to ancient funeral practices in this region.

Around 1860, the dolmen was emptied of its archaeological contents to be transformed into a cellar by its owner. However, in 1909, a search conducted by Moirenc revealed some flint and pottery coats. These artifacts provide an overview of the objects associated with the funeral rites of the time. The monument was classified as historical monuments in 1910, recognizing its heritage importance.

Located below the road leading to Lacoste, the dolmen was gradually sanded and semi-entered over time. It was not until 1972 that it was cleared by Gérard Sauzade, allowing a more in-depth study. During this clearance, the sifting of the debris outside the funeral chamber revealed an arrow frame, two shell discoid beads and undecorated ceramic coats, enriching the knowledge of the practices and objects of this period.

This dolmen is distinguished by its small size, measuring about 1.50 meters in height. It consists of a cover table resting on two parallel walls of dry stone, mounted in corbellation. The facade consists of two doorstones, typical of this type of megalithic construction. These architectural features are a representative example of the region's dolmens.

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