Creating cupulas Protohistoire / Néolithique (≈ 4100 av. J.-C.)
44 cups cut on the block
28 janvier 1907
MH classification
MH classification 28 janvier 1907 (≈ 1907)
Protection for historical monuments
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Pierre dit Pierre des Sacrifices : classification by order of 28 January 1907 in Anthy (Haute-Savoie)
Key figures
Émile Vuarnet - Local teacher and historian
First to report cupules
Origin and history
The Pierre Vuarnet, known as Pierre des Sacrifices, is an erratic block of gneiss measuring 4 meters long and 3 meters wide, placed horizontally near the Léman at Anthy-sur-Léman. Its table inclined towards the lake carries 44 cups of Neolithic, varying diameters and depths (1 to 8 cm, 5 mm to 4 cm). There is no certainty about their function: hypotheses evoking a constellation (Great Bear), phallic symbols, or an agrarian cult.
Ranked a historic monument in 1907, this stone owes its name to Émile Vuarnet, a teacher who had reported the cupules in the 19th century. The name Sacrifices is an erroneous interpretation, without archaeological evidence. The site, linked to the Rhone ice retreat, includes the UNESCO Geoparc du Chablais and the local geoheritage inventory.
Other similar erratic blocks exist in Anthy-sur-Léman, as at Chantrell beach. Smaller stones around the block could suggest an old cromlech, but this hypothesis remains unconfirmed. The stone, a communal property, is accessible on Rue du Lac, 80 metres from the shores of Leman.
Announcements
Please log in to post a review