While preparing the route for the separation fence in northern Samaria, a burial cave was discovered and excavated south of Kafr Kapin. The cave consists of two burial chambers hewn in the soft limestone, situated west and east of the entrance shaft, which was destroyed during the earthmoving work. In both of the burial chambers bones of the deceased were discovered, some placed on top of the benches around, as well as inside central standing pits. With the exception of a few pottery sherds, including a body fragment of a black juglet, no funerary objects were discovered. The outline of the cave is similar to that of burial caves that were discovered at Tell Abu Hawam on the one hand, and in the region of Judah on the other during this period.
The most interesting find was discovered on the northern bench of the western chamber. The skeleton of a male adult lying on his back with his head in the east and feet toward the west was placed on top of this bench. This man, who was 30-40 years of age, apparently died as a result of having been struck by a sharp sword. According to the anthropological findings his left hand was severed, there were signs he had been struck on the head with a sword and he had probably also been skinned.


This unique and rare find bears witness for the first time of a victory ceremony as described in the Bible and depicted various reliefs that portray the hands and feet of the enemy being chopped off in war. This warrior was probably killed during the Assyrian conquest of the Kingdom of Israel.