Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The menhir of Kerdalaë-Lesconil, also known as the menhir of Kerloc'h or Lesconil, is an emblematic megalithic monument of the Neolithic. Located in Plobannalec-Lesconil, in the Finistère, it is distinguished by its imposing size: a block of granite of 7.60 m height, 3 m wide and 0.80 m thick, initially erected on a terre. This menhir was first mentioned by R.-F. Le Men, but it was Paul du Châtellier who provided the first detailed description in 1881, under the name menhir de Lesconil. At that time, the monument was still standing, and a notable archaeological discovery was made at its base: a funeral urn containing fragments from the dios, discovered by the owner of the adjacent field.

The menhir of Kerdalaë-Lesconil was classified as historical monuments by decree of 18 January 1932, thus recognizing its exceptional heritage value. The research conducted in the 19th century, notably by Paul du Châtellier, helped shed light on its historical context and its possible funeral or symbolic function. The excavations at his feet, described in publications such as Materials for the primitive and natural history of man (1881), suggest a link with ritual or commemorative practices peculiar to the Neolithic societies of Brittany.

Today, this menhir remains a major testimony of Breton megalithic architecture, illustrating the technical skills and beliefs of prehistoric communities. Its current state and precise location, although documented, still raise questions about its exact role in the cultural and religious landscape of the time. Available sources, such as the Mérimée bases or The Megalithic Portal, allow to situate this monument in a wider network of similar sites in the Finistère, reinforcing its importance for the understanding of the regional megalithic heritage.

External links