I. Étude archéologique

Abstract

In 1999, after the felling of the pine trees which had covered and protected it until then, this long barrow presented a breach, evidence of the early 20th-century exploration of the monument. It was decided merely to clear this trench in order to define the barrow 's internal structure and verify the presence of a possible burial chamber before filling in the breach to consolidate the tumulus. The exceptional state of conservation of a monument which is not at present under threat and presents architectural characteristics which are, if not unique, at least too rarely attested, induced us to preserve this long barrow without carrying out any extensive excavations. No trace of a funerary chamber was revealed in this south-western end, which is both the highest and widest part of the monument. On the other hand, the investigation has revealed a specific method of construction for the monument, known in the British Isles but rarely represented in France and nowhere as well preserved. A central dome composed only of superposed turfs forms the core of the monument, and may have held a burial which has since disappeared. It is topped with a second covering, which we consider to be closely associated with the dome and more or less contemporary with it, composed of a grid of turf partitions which mark out quadrangular compartments filled with pulverulent limestone. Sedimentological analysis has not enabled us to follow in detail the history of the barrow s construction, but has shed considerable light on its composition. No archaeological artefacts associated with the monument's period of construction have been discovered, but two C14 dates on anthropological material place the erection of this monumental sepulchre around 4500 ВС.