Cist

The National Monuments Service's description

Discovered in 1985 during the removal of a field boundary. Inspection by National Museum staff revealed 'a prehistoric grave containing cremated human bones' (Kelly 1987). The walls, floor and roof of the grave were formed of small slabs, and 'overall it measured 50cm in maximum length, 40cm in maximum width and 35cm in depth' (ibid.). A preliminary examination of the bones suggested they were the remains of 'two adult males, one of whom may have been of advanced age' (ibid.). An area of burning (diam. 1.5m; D 1m), 7m SW of the grave, was probably 'the site of the funeral pyre' (ibid.; NMI) (LI043-008002-). The stones were removed and the cist was reconstructed in Newcastle West Community Centre. (Cahill and Sikora 2011, vol. 1, 281-6)

An account of this monument has been published in: Cahill, M. & Sikora, M. (2011) Breaking ground, finding graves- reports on the excavations of burials by the National Museum of Ireland, 1927-2006. vol. 1, 281-286.

Compiled by: Denis Power

Date of upload: 16 August 2012

References

Cahill, M. and Sikora, M. (eds) 2011 Breaking ground, finding graves - reports on the excavations of burials by the National Museum of Ireland, 1927-2006, 2 vols. Dublin. Wordwell Ltd. in association with the National Museum of Ireland.