2012 Project365 (Day 72)

Categories: guernsey, photography, project365-2

Tags: fertility, project365, menhir, Guernsey

Date: 12 March 2012 17:27:04

Now, I am sure you are all thinking that you have seen this menhir before, but you'd be wrong. This is the Gran' Mere du Chimquiere at St Martin's Parish Church, and it is very similar to the one at Castel Church that I photographed here. Once again it was believed to have been made about 4000 years ago but this statue has been re-carved and has had a cape and hair or a head-dress added. This is thought to have happened about 2000 years ago and it is possible that her garments have been made to look like Roman clothing. She also has a large crack running across her middle and apparently she is held together with a metal spike. Like her counterpart she is believed to be a fertility symbol so I have to confess I gave her a little stroke after I had taken her portrait. Here's hoping she works her magic!