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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

La Croix Boucher de Caro is a blue schist palis monolith cross, dating from the 16th century, located at the place called la Planchette, on the Route Départementale 168, 500 meters northeast of the village of Caro (Morbihan). It is precisely at the crossing of the Gaçaie road. Its originality lies in its trilobed shape and its ground edges in the throat, as well as in its engraved decorations: a cross patted in relief on a disc, and above all a shield representing a knife and a rifle to sharpen, emblematic tools of butchers. These elements suggest a strong link to the butchers' corporation, although its exact sponsor remains unknown.

The cross is cut into a single block of shale, without a separate base, and presents holes symbolizing the five wounds of Christ. On its rear face, a hollowed cross extends a long vertical stem, perhaps evoking a spear. This type of cross, geographically located in Brittany, is characteristic of the sixteenth century according to the studies of Blécon. None of the twelve similar crosses listed bear an engraved date, making their dating dependent on stylistic analysis.

Listed as a historical monument since 23 June 1937, the Croix Boucher belongs to the municipality of Caro and is located on a public land, at the foot of a coast leading to the village. Its precise location (9 Chemin de la Gacaie) and its conservation status are monitored, although the current cartographic accuracy is considered poor (note 5/10). The sources available (Wikipedia, Monumentum) highlight its heritage interest, linked to both its Christian architecture and its corporate symbolism.

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