Archaeological site in Finistère vandalized. Inrap: An anonymous act of stupidity.

An archaeological site in Finistère has beenvandalized: it is the necropolis of Plougonvelin, Brittany, where a series of burials dating back to the Bronze Age had been discovered in the 1990s, and archaeologists are currently working to understand the necropolis’ funerary organization, its architecture and anthropological part. Excavations will end at the end of December, and perhaps the mysteries of this site will be revealed.

Meanwhile, however, vandalism has occurred with the intent to dismantle a grave and damage a small vase. “An act of nameless stupidity,” Claude Le Potier, interregional director of theNational Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research, called it, commenting on the incident with Le Figaro. Le Potier also filed a complaint, but reassured that although “the acts undermined the integrity of the site and the work of archaeologists, these will not, however, have irreparable consequences on the archaeological understanding of the site.”

He also pointed out that “this kind of vandalism does not happen often, but it is impossible to prevent everything, especially on weekends,” and added that “the site is secure as it is closed to the public, but it is only bordered by a few barriers and duct tape,” which therefore make it possible for ill-intentioned people to gain access.

Usually remains found in excavations are collected and secured in Inrap’s premises, but in the case of the damaged small vase, the latter was “an element associated with funerary architecture and the entire study and collection had not yet been completed,” so the vase was not to be moved: it contained offerings intended for the deceased.

Pictured is the necropolis discovered at Plougonvelin. Ph.Credit Inrap

Archaeological site in Finistère vandalized. Inrap: An anonymous act of stupidity.

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