What is recorded here

A machine ripped open the western slope above the Awbeg river in 1974, exposing a shallow pit where cremated bones of a foetus, infant and adult lay beneath a heavy capstone. A perforated boar tusk rested among the ashes, perhaps worn as a pendant by someone who loved them or taken as a trophy from the hunt. The small chamber still holds that sudden violence of discovery, where ordinary reclamation work broke through to preserve the smallest lives and their strange martial companion.

On W-facing slope, overlooking Awbeg river. In 1974 machine clearance in advance of reclamation work uncovered pit; investigated by Shee (O' Kelly and Shee 1974, 80). Pit (diam. 0.6m; D 0.3m) contained small heap of cremated bone (diam. c. 0.22m) at base; bone comprised remains of foetus, infant and adult; canine tusk of boar, perforated for use as a pendant, accompanied cremation. Pit covered by capstone (c.1.2m x c. 1.05m x c. 0.1m). Ploygonal cist (CO026-06101-) c. 1.3-1.5m to SE. 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

Pit-burial in Ballinvoher is a cremation burial, likely dating to the Early Medieval period. Its significance lies in providing evidence of funerary practices in the region during this time.

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