2008 Conservation & development in collaboration with the
Hebrew University Archaeology department and the Israel
Antiquities Authority
Key Meanings: The Nicanor doors, The Nicanor inscription, Ossuary burial, Fig tree roots overtaking the subterranean chamber, Minimalist intervention, Usishkin and the Zionist Pantheon
Artist Statement: In 1902, a monumental burial complex was uncovered in Sir John Grey Hill’s estate on Mt. Scopus, which was identified as Jewish burial caves from the first century CE. As part of the conservation project it was decided to allow entrance to some of the burial chambers which have been sealed for many years. In Hall V we created a typical burial chamber with ossuary replicas from the University’s collections. Upon entering Hall III in August 2007, we were amazed to discover an elaborate root system of a fig tree, which utilizes the humidity formed on the walls of the carved bedrock. Hall III may represent the symbolic nucleus of the garden. The combination of living fig roots and an ancient burial chamber hewn into the Calcic bedrock – conveys directly the hybrid and multilayered spirit of the place.
Hall III – The Central hall of the Burial Complex
Burial complex III is the central and most elaborate of the Nicanor Tomb. Its central entrance hall measures 4.3 × 3.9 m. and has a 2.45 m.-high vaulted ceiling. Nine smaller burial chambers and kokhim branch out of this central hall, some leading to additional lower burial rooms. After being closed for many years, this hall was reopened in August 2007, revealing an elaborate root system of a fig tree.
