The passage-mound at Gavr'inis has a specific feature in common with at least one other passage mound in Ireland. They both have a stone with a series of 8 (9 - see below), crosses/lozenges on its face in the entrance or passage. This feature has been found at both Newgrange (over the light-box), and at nearby Four-knocks. We already know that Newgrange has been dated at 3,200 B (2), which, when combined with the similar orientation and passage art, lends itself to the idea that they may all be contemporary structures.

The drawing on the right was made before the reconstruction of the Newgrange mound. It suggests that the lintel-stone at Newgrange may have had 9 crosses on it rather than the 8 usually quoted. If this is the case, then the stone would be an almost exact match for the stone in the Gavr'inis passage mound (which also has 9 crosses), now in the floor of the passage (where only the tops of the crosses are now visible as a series of 'V's).

The Gavrinis 'Sill-stone' lies across the passage floor in a style similar to the passage mounds in Ireland (such as those at Carrowkeel), where 'sill-stones' are found on the floor, apparently symbolically dividing the internal structure.

It has been noted that this specific design-feature is found on the floors of ocean-going ships.

The passage-mound at Four-knocks has three similar lintel stones, with two in position over the side chambers, and a third at the entrance. The significance of this design can only be guessed at, and the appearance of a similar stone in the contemporary Gavr'inis passage mound lends further weight to the argument for a close cultural contact between the Irish and French Neolithic passage mound builders.

This ochre stone was found in a cave by the sea in Africa with the same markings on it. It is dated at approx. 70,000 BC. (Full article)