The "treasure" of Pauilhac, Gers.
Gold plaque (diadem?), two polished axes, five large flint blades and a small one in jasper, two bi-perforated boar canines
This treasure was discovered in 1865 during the exploitation of a gravel pit in the municipality of Pauilhac (Gers). In addition to the eleven objects presented, various remains were exhumed at the time, some of which were not preserved by the labourers (human and horse bones), while others were stolen (seven gold beads in the shape of olives). Some authors suggest the presence of the tomb of a great chief from the late Neolithic period. Unfortunately the age of this discovery and the lack of archives do not allow us to be certain.
The polished axes and large flint blades were imported from the Alps and the gold plaque can be compared only to examples from south east Europe. Such a prestigious deposit of objects is a very strong symbolic gesture, whether buried as a votive offering to the divinities or deposited in the grave of an important person.
