![\"Gavrinis,](\"http:\/\/www2.stetson.edu\/neolithic-studies\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/Gavrinis-air-view..jpg\")
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The magnificent tumulus\/cairn at Gavrinis is significant for its well-preserved interior chamber and 29 large orthostats lining the passageway. The orthostats are carved with various motifs, including chevrons, crooks, axe heads, whorls, spirals, and waves. The site is on a privately-owned island and is only reachable by boat tour from the nearby town of Larmor-Baden. It is well worth the effort. The orientation of the passageway is toward sunrise on Winter Solstice. You can view some of the interior art on the passageway orthostats at: https:\/\/www2.stetson.edu\/neolithic-studies\/neolithic-art\/gavrinis-cairn-passageway-gulf-of-moribhan-brittany-france\/<\/a>\u00a0and https:\/\/www2.stetson.edu\/neolithic-studies\/neolithic-art\/gavrinis-petroglyph-semicircular-pattern-brittany-france\/<\/a> and https:\/\/www2.stetson.edu\/neolithic-studies\/neolithic-art\/gavrinis-cairn-passageway-gulf-of-moribhan-brittany-france\/<\/a> and https:\/\/www2.stetson.edu\/neolithic-studies\/neolithic-art\/whorl-patterns-gavrinis-cairn-passageway-gulf-of-morbihan-brittany-france\/<\/a><\/p>\n Photo courtesy of Marc Chauvin.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This is a view of the cairn from the boat that ferries visitors to the island. The monument was built between 4250-4000 B.C.E., roughly the same period as the major megalithic structures in nearby Carnac. The mound has a diameter of 50 meters and height of 6 meters, and features an entry chamber of 14 meters. Archaeologists believe that only tribal members of the highest social status (probably chieftains and their families) were interred here along with their jewels, weapons, and ceremonial vessels. 6000 years ago the cairn site sat prominently over the deep channel of the Vannes river and was not an island. There is a nice little video of the site at: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=FosqMyBqd5I&t=70s<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n