In the annals of archaeological history, the Saint-Bélec slab stands as a remarkable rediscovery. This invaluable artifact was originally unearthed in 1900 by the esteemed archaeologist Paul du Châtellier. It was found within a prehistoric burial ground nestled in Finistère, a region in North-Western France. However, its significance would remain concealed for many years. After its initial discovery, the Saint-Bélec slab was housed within the walls of the Château de Kernuz, Mr. du Châtellier’s residence, and gradually faded from the limelight. It wasn’t until the year 2014 that its true importance would come to light once again.
The slab itself is composed of grey-blue schist, a type of metamorphic rock believed to have originated from the Precambrian period. Geologically, it is linked to the rocky outcrops near Douarnenez, situated in the Brittany region.
Upon its surface, a series of intricate geometric shapes are meticulously engraved. These patterns include lines, circles, and squares, which have been deciphered as symbolic representations of ancient settlements, burial mounds, and cultivated fields. The remarkable aspect of this find is the striking correlation between the engraved symbols on the slab and the landscape of the Odet valley in Finistère. The lines etched on the slab remarkably mirror the river’s intricate network of tributaries.
In a recent turn of events, dedicated archaeologists from the University of Western Brittany (UBO) embarked on a mission to uncover additional fragments associated with the Saint-Bélec slab at its original discovery site. These newfound pieces have offered conclusive evidence that strengthens the claim that the Saint-Bélec slab is indeed a navigational treasure map, pointing the way to numerous uncharted ancient sites.
A recent study published in the prestigious journal Bulletin de la Société préhistorique française postulates that the topographical features of the slab were intentionally altered to depict motifs representing structures from the Bronze Age. These include enclosures, agricultural plots, burial mounds, and ancient roads. The central motif, in particular, is believed to represent a pivotal point within an early Bronze Age territory. One intriguing question that lingers is why this slab was created in the first place.
One theory posits that this territorial depiction served both a material and symbolic function. It is suggested that alongside the concurrent development of field systems in Brittany, the creation of the Saint-Bélec slab may signify the emergence of a novel approach to land ownership and utilization. Furthermore, the distribution of elite burial sites appears to be closely connected to soil fertility. Within this context, the Saint-Bélec slab might have functioned as a cadastral plan, aiding in the management of territories and the regulation of land rights. The slab, with its intricate engravings and symbolic significance, offers a unique window into the practices and beliefs of ancient civilizations in this region, shedding new light on a bygone era.
