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Origin and history

The menhir de Calès is an emblematic megalithic monument located in the commune of Porspoder, in the Finistère department, in Brittany. Built during the Neolithic period, it belongs to the category of megaliths, these imposing stone constructions characteristic of European prehistory. This menhir is distinguished by its crescent shape and its almost quadrangular cross section on a part of its height, measuring 3.05 meters for a width ranging from 0.90 to 0.95 meters in its lower part. Stained in local granite of the Aber-Ildut, it illustrates the techniques of size and transportation of neolithic societies.

Ranked as historical monuments by a decree of 22 February 1921, the menhir de Calès enjoys heritage protection which underlines its archaeological and cultural importance. This official recognition comes in a context of progressive awareness of the value of prehistoric remains in France at the beginning of the twentieth century. The monument is listed in the Merimée base under the code Insee 29221, corresponding to the town of Porspoder, and its approximate location is indicated as the road of Prat Joulou.

Sources available, including Wikipedia and Monumentum, also mention specialized bibliographical references, such as the book Les megalithes de l'arrondissement de Brest (2009) by Yohann Sparfel and Yvan Pailler. This archaeological work provides scientific insight into the megaliths of the region, including the menhir of Calès. The monument is thus part of a wider network of megalithic sites in Finistère, reflecting the funeral, religious or symbolic practices of the Breton Neolithic communities. No information is available on its precise use or associated rituals.

The location of the menhir, noted as having poor accuracy (level 5 on a scale of 10), suggests that its exact location could be subject to further verification. Internal data and collaborative contributions, such as those of user Faboss29 under Creative Commons license, contribute to the documentation and visibility of this heritage. Finally, although the menhir is classified and protected, practical information about its visit or accessibility is not detailed in the sources consulted.

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