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Origin and history

Le menhir de Kerara is a megalithic vestige located in the commune of Moustoir-Ac, Morbihan department, Brittany. Dated from Neolithic, this monument is part of the tradition of Breton megalithic constructions, characteristic of this prehistoric period. With a height of 3.65 meters and a width of 1.25 meters, it stands out for its imposing dimensions for an isolated menhir. Its thickness, ranging from 0.70 to 0.90 metres, reflects the size and erection techniques controlled by the Neolithic communities.

The Kerara Menhir was officially recognized for its heritage value by a classification as historical monuments on 6 April 1965. This status protects the monument and emphasizes its archaeological and cultural importance. It is located about 280 meters southeast of another notable menhir, the great menhir of Kermarker, suggesting a possible concentration of megalithic sites in this area. Historical sources, such as the works of Philippe Gouézin and Louis Marsille, mention its inclusion in studies on the megaliths of the interior Morbihan.

The region of Moustoir-Ac, like a large part of Brittany, was in Neolithic a territory marked by nascent agriculture, breeding and the organization of sedentary societies. Menhirs, often associated with ritual or commemorative functions, played a central role in structuring the landscapes and beliefs of the communities of the time. Their erection required collective cooperation, reflecting a complex social organization. The Kerara Menhir, by its size and location, could have served as a territorial landmark or religious symbol for local populations.

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