Cist

The National Monuments Service's description

The location of two cist burials in the townland of Labbamolaga East has been recently identified by local historian, Nioclàs Ó Duinnín. Discovered in 1948 during quarrying in sand pit. Investigated by O'Kelly (1950, 15-20) who found polygonal cist (max. int. dims.: 2ft 6in x 2ft; H 2ft 8in); five sides defined by small/medium slabs, sixth side probably drystone walling. Base formed by single polygonal slab; capstone set 1ft 9in below field level. Cist contained cremated bones of adult male, adult female and 4-6 year-old child; burnt bone pin and 'pendant' (ibid., 17) mixed in with bones. In corner stood well-made Food Vessel Vase (H 4 3/4 in.; max. diam. 5in): bi-conical with internally decorated everted rim. On body of Vase, decorative scheme is zonal and metopic; horizontal bands at base, shoulder and just below rim separating incised design are reminiscent of basket work (ibid.). Cut into top of pit was later pit-burial (CO010-004002-). Doody 1986, Cork No. 38; Waddell 1990, 61-2).

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Compiled by: Denis Power

Revised by: Caimin O'Brien based on details provided by James O'Brien and Nioclàs Ó Duinnín

Date of revised upload: 22 February 2022

References

Doody, M.G. 1986 Bronze Age burial in Munster. Unpublished MA thesis, University College, Cork.

O'Kelly, M.J. 1950 Two burials at Labbamolaga, Co. Cork. Journal of the Cork Historical and Archaeological Society 60, 15-20.

Waddell, J. 1970 Irish Bronze Age cists, a survey. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 100, 91-139.

Waddell, J. 1990 The Bronze Age burials of Ireland. Galway University Press.