Cist in Fussough

Short rectangular cist orienated N-S on its long axis measuring 18 inches [0.45m] by 12 and a half inches [0.31m] which contained cremated bone (Waddell 1970, 130). Short rectangular cist (0.46m x 0.32m x 0.42m) orientated N-S on its long axis and containing cremated bones (Waddell 1990, 134). Short cist discovered in 1933 during quarrying of a sand pit on a low hill which uncovered the southern end of a cist which was covered with 2ft [0.6m] of earth and gravel. The cists was formed by undressed sandstone and limestone slabs set on edge. The S side of the cist was formed by two slabs and the other sides are formed by a single slab. The roofing slab measured 2ft [0.6m] wide by 3 ft 10 [1.1m] inches wide by 8.5 inches [0.17m] thick and is supported on the side slabs by packing stones. The floor of the cist was covered with a layer of gravel with calcined bones lying on the gravel layer (NMI Topog. Files 1933). Cahill and Sikora (2011, 465) suggest an early Bronze Age date for this burial. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 26 August 2011

Cist in Fussough is a small Neolithic or Early Bronze Age burial cist, likely dating to between 2500 and 1000 BCE. Its significance lies in providing evidence of early funerary practices involving cremation in the region.