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The cairn of Gavrinis, spiral Neolithic engraved stone necklace in silver
The archaeological site of Gavrinis, located in the Gulf of Morbihan in Brittany, France, is a destination in its own right. Accessible by a short crossing to this mysterious island, it houses a cairn dating back to 4000 BC, a time when the island was still connected to the mainland. This Neolithic mound, abandoned around 3300-3100 BC, has been preserved under a layer of sand, thus preserving its original state.
What makes Gavrinis even more fascinating are the stones or orthostats, adorned with enigmatic engravings that make up the long corridor leading to the burial chamber. Curvilinear shapes, like interlocking arches, cupules, snakes, and spirals, as well as some straight lines and abstract motifs (chevrons, vertical polished axe blades, etc.), have intrigued archaeologists for decades.
Max-Pol Fouchet suggested that for the Celts, curves represent the shortest path from one dream to another. Some see in these undulating motifs an evocation of water and the sea, while the spirals could symbolize snakes standing on their tails. The spirals of the Newgrange cairn, which you can find a pendant of here, are oriented towards the sunrise at the winter solstice. It is decorated with a double spiral motif interpreted as a symbol of the solar journey or lightning. By analogy, one might be tempted to give a calendrical explanation to Gavrinis, but there is still little evidence in that direction, although there are many interpretations of the positions of the stones in relation to the moon and the sun.
Despite the numerous interpretations, the mystery surrounding the engravings of Gavrinis persists. Considered one of the finest examples of megalithic structure in the world, this site evokes the deep connection between Neolithic humans and nature. One can easily imagine the ancient Celtic druids and priestesses honoring this sacred place with their ancient rituals.
The pendant we have crafted faithfully reproduces one of the engraved stones from the corridor of Gavrinis, thus capturing some of the mystery and magic of this extraordinary archaeological site.
Metal: sterling silver.
Dimensions: 3.8 cm x 2.6 cm or 1.5 inches x 1 inch.
Length of the necklace: about 45 cm.
Manufacturing time: 5 business days.
As we currently dwell in Mexico, provide a period of 3 to 6 weeks to receive your order for free with normal post service. Thank you for taking this information into account before ordering in our shop. At checkout, you will also have the option of choosing an express shipping. (please, read the complete conditions of shipping here).
You have a question? Contact us.
I hope you will love this jewel as much as I enjoyed creating it.
By Emmanuelle Guyon.
Tags: necklace, cairn, Gavrinis, spiral, Celtic, Neolithic, megalithic, megalith, dolmen, menhir, stele, prehistory, archaeology, orthostat, Brittany, France, nature, mystery, cult, ritual, reproduction, jewelry, art, tumulus, engraved stone, jewel, secret, druid, priestess, druidess, rite, funeral, sun cycle, serpent, water, sea, wind, mother earth, mother nature.
