Cist in Ballynahow (spiers)

Discovered during tillage operations in 1938, when contents disturbed and capstone smashed. Investigated by O'Kelly (1946, 78-84); rectangular cist (3ft 2in x 2ft 3in; D 2ft 6in; long axis E-W); side slabs incline inwards; W side slab topped with drystone walling to support capstone; paved with single basal slab. Cist set into pit; lowest 6in rock-cut; backfilled with boulders behind side slabs. Contents of cist included Food Vessel Vase, possibly containing cremated bone, in NW corner, and Pygmy Cup in SE corner; with pile of cremated bone placed in centre of basal slab. Pygmy Cup (smashed by workmen) was bi-conical, with imperforate lugs on shoulder (Kavanagha 1977, fig. 11). Food Vessel Vase (H 0.18m; max. diam. 0.18m) has everted lip; broad bevel on inner surface decorated with four horizontal grooves, incised with herringbone effect; exterior (from base) has three horizontal grooves with stabbed incisions surmounted by two horizontal rows of short vertical incised lines; next is a broad band of hatched triangles, then another row of vertical incised lines, four horizontal grooves with stubbed incisions, a further row of vertical incised lines, four horizontal grooves with stubbed incisions, and a further band of hatched triangles; on the neck are further horizontal grooves with incised vertical lines (O'Kelly ibid., 80-1). (Doody 1986, Cork No. 10; Waddell 1990, 59-60) 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