Cairn of Gavrinis, Neolithic engraved stone with spirals necklace in silver

The archaeological site of Gavrinis, located in the Gulf of Morbihan in Brittany, France, is a unique destination full of mystery. Accessible by a short crossing to this enigmatic island, it shelters a cairn dating back to 4000 BC, when the island was still connected to the mainland. This Neolithic mound, abandoned around 3300–3100 BC, was protected under a layer of sand, preserving it in its original state.

What makes Gavrinis fascinating are the stones, or orthostats, covered with engravings that decorate the long passage leading to the burial chamber. Among them are curvilinear shapes, interlocking arcs, spirals, cup-marks, serpents, as well as chevrons, polished axes, and abstract patterns that have intrigued archaeologists for generations. These symbols appear both decorative and sacred, carrying their own language.

Max-Pol Fouchet suggested that for the Celts, curves represented the shortest path from one dream to another. Some see an evocation of water, the sea, and waves, while others associate the spirals with upright serpents, guardians and guides of the underworld. These signs seem to connect Neolithic man with the invisible forces of nature and the mysteries of the universe.

The spirals of the Newgrange cairn, for which a pendant is also available on our site, are aligned with the rising sun at the winter solstice. Decorated with a double spiral, they are often interpreted as symbols of the solar journey, of time, or of lightning. By analogy, an attempt has been made to give a calendrical interpretation to Gavrinis, but the evidence remains too scarce, leaving room for many hypotheses related to the sun, the moon, and the cycle of the seasons.

Despite these varied readings, the mystery of the Gavrinis engravings remains. Considered one of the finest examples of megalithic art in the world, this site bears witness to a profound connection between Neolithic man and the forces of nature.

We createdThe "Cairn of Gavrinis" pendant trying to faithfully follow the patterns of one of the engraved stones from the Gavrinis passage.

Metal: sterling silver (925).

Dimensions: 1.5 x 1 in (3.8 x 2.6 cm).

Necklace length: 35.4 in (90 cm).

Production time: 5 business days before shipping your order.

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 : cairn, Gavrinis, spiral, celtic, neolithic, megalithic, megalith, dolmen, menhir, stele, prehistory, archaeology, orthostat, Brittany, France, nature, cult, ritual, reproduction, art, tumulus, mystery, secret, druid, druidess, rite, funerary, solar cycle, serpent, water, sea, wind, mother earth, mother nature, wave, sun, moon, solstice, calendar, mystery, cosmos, ancestor, heritage, memory, energy, sacred, temple, sanctuary, journey, dream, poetry, druidic, treasure, history, ancestral, amulet, protection, meditation

Inspired by your search: No matching word found.