 Containing 429 articles, 416 of which are copper objects including maceheads, sceptres and small crowns, the hoard forms "a unique collection of equipment for use in the Ghassulian ritual" and must have been used in a central sanctuary.It may have been hidden in Nahal Mishmar because of some calamity or approaching danger, never to be recovered.Nevertheless, there does not exist a single find to directly link the hoard to the temple at Ein Gedi.