3,500-year-old jar accidentally shattered by a child at Israeli museum

A 3,500-year-old jar has been accidentally shattered into pieces by a four-year-old lad during a trip to a museum in Israel.

A 3,500-year-old jar from the Bronze Age was accidentally shattered by a four-year-old boy during a visit to the Hecht Museum in Haifa, Israel. The incident occurred when the curious child pulled at the ancient artifact, causing it to fall and break into pieces.

The jar, which dated back to between 2200 and 1500 BC, was considered a rare find due to its intact condition.

A Rare Artifact Damaged

The jar was displayed without a protective glass case near the museum’s entrance, as the Hecht Museum believes that showcasing archaeological treasures without obstructions adds a “special charm” to the experience.

The decision to display such items openly underscores the museum’s commitment to allowing visitors to connect more closely with historical artifacts. Unfortunately, this approach also made the jar vulnerable to accidental damage.

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The Incident Unfolds

The boy’s father, Alex, described his shock upon discovering his son standing next to the shattered jar. Initially, he couldn’t believe his child was responsible. After calming his son, Alex spoke with a security guard to explain the situation.

The museum’s response was understanding, acknowledging that the damage was accidental.

Lihi Laszlo, a representative from the Hecht Museum, stated that while some instances of damage are treated with severity and may involve police intervention, this situation was recognized as an accident caused by a young child.

Restoration and Moving Forward

Following the incident, the museum has appointed a specialist in conservation to restore the jar. The museum reassured the public that the artifact would be returned to its original display “in a short time.”

Although the boy’s father expressed relief that the jar would be restored, he also shared his regret, noting that “it will no longer be the same item.”

Museum’s Continued Commitment

Despite this rare incident, the Hecht Museum intends to continue its practice of displaying artifacts without protective barriers whenever possible.

The museum has even extended an invitation to the family for a guided tour of the exhibition, emphasizing their understanding and maintaining a welcoming approach to visitors.

The Hecht Museum’s commitment to displaying items without glass or barriers remains unchanged, highlighting their belief in the unique experience it provides to museum-goers, even in the face of such unfortunate accidents.