Dolmen de Kercado
Kercado Passage Grave · Carnac Kercado Tumulus · Kercado Cairn
Early Neolithic (c.3800–3600 BCE)·Carnac Neolithic (Tumulus culture)·🇫🇷 Brittany, Morbihan (Carnac), France
About
About Dolmen de Kercado
Impressive passage grave beneath circular tumulus 25 m diameter on Kercado ridge south of Carnac alignments, between Kermario and the coast. Passage 6.5 m oriented east leads to large chamber 3.5 x 3 m with two huge granite capstones, one bearing carved hafted axe (Mané-type), plus cup-marked orthostat. Built c.3800–3600 BCE. Originally erected as free-standing dolmen then covered by successively enlarged tumulus phases, illustrating tomb-to-mound sequence classic in Morbihan. Tumulus encircled by kerb. Excavated 1863 by Miln. Managed by Centre des Monuments Nationaux with illuminated chamber access.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Sequence of two tumulus enlargements — why enlarged twice
- 02Hafted axe sculpture specific to Mané or generic Carnac prestige symbol
Theories
- 01Kercado demonstrates three-stage megalith evolution: dolmen → small mound → large tumulus signifying increasing lineage status
- 02Axe carving marks elite male burial with axe as status baton
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 3800–3600 BCE (dolmen); tumulus expanded c.3600 and 3300 BCE
- Period
- Early Neolithic (c.3800–3600 BCE)
- Culture
- Carnac Neolithic (Tumulus culture)
- Purpose
- Passage grave demonstrating free-standing dolmen → tumulus-covered chamber evolution
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 3800–3600 BCE (dolmen); tumulus expanded c.3600 and 3300 BCE
Initial construction
c. 1257 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
47.5922° N · 3.0906° W · 25 m · 3 mapped features
6.5 m Passage
passageOrthostat-lined passage facing east to chamber
47.5922° N · 3.0906° WChamber with Axe Carving
chamberRectangular chamber with capstone bearing engraved hafted axe and orthostat cupules
47.5922° N · 3.0905° WCircular Tumulus with Kerb
tumulus25 m diameter tumulus encircled by stone kerb, built over original dolmen
47.5922° N · 3.0906° W
Gallery