Tomb of Ferdinand Cheval, Memorial monument in Hauterives, France.

The Tomb of Ferdinand Cheval, called "Le tombeau du silence et du repos sans fin", stands near the main entrance of the Hauterives cemetery. Cheval built it from 1914 to 1922 in cement, stones and shells, with a cross on top and the letters J-M-J. Its south and east facades are the most remarkable, covered in interlacing curves, shells and carved figures.

Ferdinand Cheval first built a cement, stone and shell funeral chapel for his daughter Alice, who died in 1894. In 1914, nearing 78, he bought a cemetery concession, moved her monument and worked eight years on his own tomb, finishing in 1922 at 86. He was buried there in 1924; it was classified as a monument historique on 23 May 2011.

Cheval named the tomb "Le tombeau du silence et du repos sans fin" (the tomb of silence and endless rest). The letters J-M-J, for Jesus, Mary and Joseph, are among the few Christian references carved on it, and the monument is topped by a cross. The south and east facades are the most densely worked.

The tomb stands near the main entrance of the communal cemetery of Hauterives, at the end of the chemin des Maréchaux and the old church, south of the village and close to the Galaure. Access is free during cemetery opening hours. The south and east facades are the most densely carved; look for the letters J-M-J and the cross on top.

The carved stonework blends Egyptian, Christian, and Hindu architectural elements, revealing Chevel's personal interpretation of influences from different cultures. This unusual mix in a burial monument shows how his creative thinking extended beyond any single tradition.