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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The funeral monument of the Cacaud family, located in the cemetery of Gentioux-Pigerolles (Creuse, Nouvelle-Aquitaine), was carved around 1870 by Jean Cacaud himself, a stone tailor who had lived in a hut on the side of Mont de la Bauze. This monument is distinguished by its rectangular structure, surrounded by five richly decorated steles, including one dedicated to its sister seamstress. The sculptures, such as the bearded head supported by two dogs or the kneeling encapsulated character, reflect local craftsmanship and a complex funeral symbolism.

The central stele, at the back of the tomb, is surmounted by a triangular pediment open with a trilobe, while the crawlers are lined with statuettes. An inscription on the south side pays tribute to Jean Cacaud, born in 1827, as "artist of stone". The monument, classified in 1988, illustrates the importance of artisanal traditions in the rural areas of Limousin in the 19th century, where family burials also served as a demonstration of social status and piety.

According to oral tradition, Jean Cacaud lived simply in a hut near the Bauze mountain, in contrast to the sophistication of his work. The monument, owned by the commune, bears witness to a period when the stone trades, such as carving or sculpture, played a central role in the economic and cultural life of the villages. Decorative motifs, such as nested leaves or columnettes, inspire both classic styles and local know-how, typical of the region.

The inscription by decree of 12 August 1988 as a Historic Monument underlines the heritage value of this grave, unique in the Creuse department. The monument, although modest in size, is distinguished by its varied iconography and relative conservation status, despite a GPS location deemed "passable". There remains a poignant testimony of rural funerary art and the life of 19th century artisans in Limousin.

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