Cist in Liscooly

On undulating agriculture land. Three short cists (DG079-044001-, DG079-044003- and DG079-044004-) and a fourth possible funerary monument (DG079-044002-) were identified here in 2004. This, the first cist, was uncovered 0.8m below ground level during levelling with a bulldozer prior to the laying of foundations for farm buildings. It was excavated (Licence: 04E0505) in the same year by Shine and Sikora on behalf of the National Museum of Ireland. Rectangular cist (1.17m N−S; 0.67m E−W; D 0.51) whose N, S and W sides were defined by single slabs set on edge. The slab at the N end had been displaced by the ground works. The E side had two slabs, one on top of the other. The floor was paved with three slabs. The capstone was not located. Upon the floor was the skeleton of a young, probably male adult with accompanying intact bipartite bowl with impressed and incised decoration on its external surface. Analysis of the dental remains indicated that this individual had suffered from some nutritional deficiency and acute illness during early childhood. A sample of bone yielded a radiocarbon date of 2290-2030 BC, indicating the Early Bronze Age (Cahill and Sikora 2011, Vol 1, 140-152). Compiled by: Patrick F. O'Donovan Date of upload: 26 February 2013