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Origin and history

Penquer-Bloas dolmen, also known as Penker-Ar-Bloaz, is a megalithic site located in Plomeur, Finistère. This funerary monument, dated Neolithic, was first mentioned in 1878 by Louis Flagelle, and then searched in 1879 by archaeologist Paul du Châtellier. It is distinguished by its imposing tumulus, initially 50 meters long by 20 wide, housing a chamber bounded by orthostats and covered with a granite slab. The site, classified as a historic monument in 1924, preserves traces of bones, lithic objects and ceramics, revealing its ritual and funeral use.

According to Paul du Châtellier's observations, the dolmen contained a 1.40 m high layer of earth, under which were discovered horse bones, ashes, flint tools (including an arrow tip), an oligist pendant and tensions of three distinct vases. One of them, decorated with embossed motifs (chevrons and vertical features), illustrates the ceramic crafts of the era. These elements suggest complex funeral practices, combining offerings, partial cremation and symbolic furniture, characteristic of Breton Neolithic societies.

The tumulus, partially destroyed during the excavations, housed a burial chamber facing northeast/southwest, accessible by an entrance marked by a slab. The roofing table, of large grain granite, was 3.40 m long for a thickness of 0.40 m. The interior paving, placed on a layer of yellow earth, and the presence of charcoals indicate rituals involving perhaps fires. This dolmen, owned by the municipality of Plomeur, remains a major testimony of Finistrian megalithic architecture, now protected and studied for its contribution to the understanding of the Armo Rican Neolithic.

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