Definition: Mazot

A small wooden building in the Valais Alps, raised on high stone stilts to protect it from the snow.

A large stone disc placed on each pile prevents rodents from entering.

In villages, it was used as a granary, where the most valuable possessions were stored so that they could be saved in the event of a fire in the main dwelling.

Diminutive of mas, "house", with the diminutive suffix -ot. The mazot was used as temporary accommodation in the vineyards by the inhabitants of the upper valleys.