Cist in Ballinvoher (fermoy By.)

In pasture. In 1974 machine clearance in course of reclamation work dislodged capstone of polygonal cist. Investigated by Shee (O'Kelly and Shee 1974) who noted cist (max. diam. c. 0.7m) lined with six upright stones (av. H 0.5m) and polygonal slab formed base; cist set into pit (diam. c. 0.85m; D 0.75m). Cremated bones of child and at least one adult were covered by inverted Enlarged Food Vessel Urn. Urn well-made (max. dims. c. 0.35m; H 0.36m): slightly hollow vertical neck, smoothly curved shoulder, straight-sided body narrowing towards base. Three parallel rows of impressed triangles cover external bevel of rim; inner surface rim has three rows of alternatively sloping scores separated by lines of impressed triangles. Externally, neck has three raised horizontal bands decorated with herringbone incissions; horizontal zone of raised vertical bands similarly decorated on shoulder. Rest of body decorated with nine bands of obliquely set grooves alternating in direction (ibid., 80). Unburnt bones of female adult found in disturbed area around cist. Pit burial (CO026-06102-) c. 1.3-1.5m to NW. (Doody 1986, Cork No. 7; Waddell 1990, 58). 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. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

Polygonal cist, likely dating to the Neolithic or early Bronze Age. Its construction and lining with upright stones reflect early funerary practices in the region.