Gavrinis

Gavrinis is a small island in the Gulf of Morbihan in Brittany, France [1]. The island is famous for its important passage grave, a megalithic monument from the Neolithic period, belonging to the same broad context as the Breton megaliths of Carnac and Locmariaquer [1]. The rich internal decorations make Gavrinis one of the major treasuries of European megalithic art [1]. The tomb is also remarkable for the care taken in its construction and its good preservation [1]. The first excavations took place in 1835, when the internal chamber was discovered [1]. The chamber is reached from outside by a 14 m-long corridor or passage [1]. Of the 29 orthostat slabs that form the sides of the passage, 23 are decorated with carved symbols and patterns [1].