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Origin and history

The mound of Kernours, also known as the Dolmen du Rocher, is a prehistoric funerary monument located at Le Rocher, in the municipality of Bono, Morbihan, England. This site consists of an 18-metre L-shaped covered walkway supported by 36 stones and covered with 14 stone tables. Ranked as a Historic Monument in 1889, it houses symbolic engravings, including an octopus (or morgate), supposed emblem of a maritime tribe. Its construction dates back to the end of the XLth century BC, making a collective burial characteristic of the Neolithic.

Under the main tumulus, the dolmen is surrounded by six circular burials (called tombs), dated from the Iron Age (ca. 15th century BC). These tombs delivered 24 bronze bracelets, some of which are now on display at the Museum of Prehistory in Carnac. The site thus illustrates the evolution of funeral practices over several millennia, from Neolithic to Iron Age, in an area marked by a high density of megaliths.

Kernours tumulus is owned by the Morbihan department. Its state of conservation and its location (5760 Le Paluden, 56400 Le Bono) bear witness to the unknown heritage of southern Brittany. Excavations and on-site studies have provided a better understanding of funeral rituals and social organization of local prehistoric communities, although some shadow areas remain, such as the exact meaning of engravings or the identity of the deceased buried.

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