CIST, in Greek archaeology, a wicker-work receptacle used in the Eleusinian and other mysteries to carry the sacred vessels ; and also, in prehistoric archaeology, a coffin formed of flat stones placed edgeways with another flat stone for a cover. Cist-burial was probably introduced into the British Isles by the Beaker-folk about 1800 B.C., but lasted in some parts down to the present era. The cist was generally, but not always covered by a round barrow or cairn.