cistvaen

A cistvaen is a prehistoric burial monument predominantly found in the British Isles, particularly in Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, and parts of the southwest of England. The word "cistvaen" derives from Old Irish "cist" meaning "box" or "coffin" and "vaen" meaning "place" or "abode," thus translating to "box-like tomb" or "burial chamber."

Cistvaens consist primarily of a rectangular or trapezoidal chamber built from upright stone slabs or blocks, often covered by a large capstone or a mound of earth or stones. They are typically aligned along a west-east axis and are used to contain one or more human burials, often accompanied by grave goods such as pottery, tools, or personal items. The construction date of cistvaens generally falls within the Neolithic to the early Bronze Age, approximately 4000–2000 BCE.

These burial sites served both as ritual spaces and memorials for the dead, reflecting early communal burial practices. Their design indicates a focus on durability and enclosure, often situated in prominent or secluded locations such as hilltops, valley floors, or near ritual landscapes. The structural integrity of cistvaens allowed for long-term preservation of burials, making them valuable archaeological sources for understanding prehistoric burial customs.

Cistvaens are one of several types of megalithic tombs, alongside passage graves and chambered cairns. Today, many remain as archaeological sites and are protected as part of cultural heritage efforts. Their study provides insight into early social structures, spiritual beliefs, and mortuary practices of prehistoric communities in the British Isles.