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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Menhir de Kerellou is an emblematic megalithic monument located in the commune of Guerlesquin, in the department of Finistère (British). Built during the Neolithic period, this porphyroid granite block is about 6 metres high. Its base has been partially regulated by man, while its top, eroded, has plate detachments. This menhir illustrates the funeral and symbolic practices of Breton prehistoric societies, although its exact function remains debated among archaeologists.

The first written mention of the menhir dates back to 1846, thanks to the observations of G. Le Jean. It is officially classified as historic monuments by order of 15 March 1909, thereby recognizing its heritage value. The site is also known locally as Kegel ar Wrac'h Goz ("the old witch's cattail") or Kegel ar Mam Goz ("the old mother's cattail"), reflecting folk beliefs associated with the monument with supernatural figures, both evil and benevolent.

From a geographical point of view, the menhir is located at approximately 1 road from Plouegat Moysan, on the cadastre section B, plots 105 and 110. Its state of conservation, considered satisfactory (note 6/10 according to the sources), makes it a remarkable witness of the Breton megalithic architecture. Recent studies, such as those conducted by Yohann Sparfel and Yvan Pailler in 2011, confirm its integration into the network of Neolithic sites in Finistère, emphasizing its regional importance.

Local folklore attributes to the menhir legends related to fairies and witches, typical of Breton oral heritage. These accounts, compiled by Georges Guénin in the 1930s, reveal how rural communities interpreted these erected stones, giving them magical or protective powers. Today, the Kerellou Menhir remains a place of memory, both scientific and popular, rooted in Guerlesquin's cultural identity.

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