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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Dolmen de la Voie, also known as the Dolmen de Prouhet (or Prouette, Prouët), is a covered driveway located in the commune of Pin, in the Deux-Sèvres department. This megalithic monument, dated Neolithic, was the subject of several archaeological excavations, notably in 1877 by B. Ledain, in 1909 by N. Gabillaud, in 1921 by E. Boismoreau, and in 1925 by Canon Tricaud. This research has revealed various artifacts, including bones, pottery coats, flint tools and traces of charcoal, attesting to its funeral and ritual use.

The building, classified as historic monuments in 1978, is now in poor condition. Its structure includes an irregular cover table, supported by two pillars, while a third pillar collapsed inside the chamber. An oval tumulus, composed of granulite blocks and quartz stones, is still visible. Excavations revealed flint and diorite objects, some of which are kept by private individuals, as well as a nearby flint blade cachet.

Archaeological discoveries, such as a white earth vase, flint scrapers and quartz punchers, illustrate Neolithic funeral and artisanal practices in this region. Despite its degradation, the Dolmen of the Way remains an important testimony of the megalithic constructions and prehistoric societies of New Aquitaine.

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