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Origin and history

The polisher of the Seven Swordcuts is a megalithic monument located in Buno-Bonnevaux, Essonne department, Île-de-France. This almost cubic sandstone block, with rounded edges, measures about 0.80 m side and has eight parallel grooves and a polished basin of 5 cm depth. Discovered in 1907 40 metres north of the Griery polisher, it was moved near the village church after its discovery. The stone shows traces of partial cutting, with grooves and a truncated bowl, as well as visible removal marks on the central grooves.

The polisher was classified as a historical monument by order of 28 July 1928. After its displacement, it was placed in a position incompatible with its original use, which today limits the understanding of its initial use. The stone is now located on the grassy ground of the church of Buno-Bonnevaux, where it remains accessible to the public. This monument bears witness to the artisanal and ritual practices of Neolithic, during which the polishers were used to sharpen or shape stone tools.

According to the sources, the polisher is sometimes associated with the legend of Roland's Seven Swordcuts, although this designation is more of oral tradition than archaeological evidence. The studies carried out, notably by Alain Bénard in Les megalithes de l'Essonne (2012), underline its importance among local megalithic sites. The stone now belongs to the municipality of Buno-Bonnevaux and is part of the protected heritage of the Essonne.

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