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Origin and history

Pairé's tumulus, located at Prisse-la-Charrière (Deux-Sèvres, Nouvelle-Aquitaine), constitute a dated necropolis of the Middle Neolithic (4460–3980 BC). Composed of three structures (A, B, C), this necropolis illustrates collective funeral practices. The site, partially exploited as a stone quarry, was classified as a historical monument in 2025 after excavations revealing burials and archaeological furniture (fibrolith axes, ceramics, bones).

The tumulus A, elliptical and intact, is 60 m long. The circular and enigmatic tumulus B could be a cluster of ancient debris. The most imposing tumulus C (115 m before excavation) reveals an evolution in three phases: an initial funerary chest (phase Ia, ~4460 B.C.), enlarged by earth inputs (phase Ib), then covered with a long trapezoidal tumulus (phase II, ~4000 B.C.) housing a megalithic chamber in the form of "q".

The excavations (1995–2000) exhumed bones of at least eight individuals, accompanied by objects in fibrolith, flint and carene ceramic. These findings confirm a collective burial without subsequent reuse. The tumulus C, registered in 1993, has similarities with other European neolithic sites (Barnenez, tumuli carnacean), suggesting large-scale cultural exchanges.

The etymology of the name "Pairé" (or "Péré") evokes either a stone quarry – attested by samples for roads or lime ovens – or a deformation of "perre" (consolidated drum). Mentioned as "Tesson's tumulus" in 1841, the site was studied by Dr.Claude Cathlin (surveys in 1987) and systematically searched by Luc Laporte and Roger Joussaume, revealing an exceptionally well preserved complex architecture and funeral furniture.

The construction of the C tumulus, in three distinct stages, reflects ritualized planning. Phase Ia includes a polygonal chest sealed by a stone shirt, while Phase II adds a double trim and a cellular internal mesh. The partially destroyed megalithic chamber contained five individuals and one support vessel, typical of the Middle Neolithic. No trace of subsequent reuse (Bronze Age, Gallo-Roman era) was identified.

The site is part of a network of elongated tumulus in western France and northern Europe, such as Champ Châlon or Barnenez. These monuments, perhaps inspired by long neolithic houses, vary by their internal structure (central or multiple chambers). Their alignment and visibility suggest a territorial marking and a symbolic function in the agropastoral societies of the time.

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