Haifa, Israel – In a rare and unfortunate incident at the Hecht Museum in Haifa, a 3,500-year-old jar, dating back to the Bronze Age, was accidentally shattered by a curious four-year-old boy during a family visit. The jar, which had been displayed near the entrance of the museum without protective glass, was considered a remarkable artifact due to its nearly intact condition.

The jar, which dates back to between 2200 and 1500 BC, was a prized exhibit because of its excellent preservation. Unlike most similar artifacts, which are usually found broken or incomplete, this jar was almost entirely intact, making it a significant historical piece from the Canaan region on the eastern Mediterranean coast. It is believed to have been used for carrying local supplies like wine or olive oil, predating the era of Biblical figures such as King David and King Solomon.

The incident occurred when the young boy, visiting the museum with his family, was intrigued by the jar and attempted to peek inside. His father, Alex, recounted the moment to the BBC, explaining that his son had “pulled the jar slightly” out of curiosity, causing it to topple and smash into pieces. “I was in shock,” Alex said, admitting that at first, he could not believe that his child was responsible for the mishap.

Museum officials reacted swiftly to the incident, with security guards assessing the damage and ensuring the safety of the child and other visitors. While some instances of damage to museum exhibits can lead to severe consequences, including police involvement, the museum acknowledged that this was a genuine accident. Lihi Laszlo, a representative from the museum, emphasized that there was no malicious intent and that the incident would be treated as such.

As a gesture of goodwill, the museum has invited the family back for an organized tour, allowing the young boy and his parents to gain a deeper appreciation for the exhibits in a controlled environment. The museum’s decision to display artifacts without glass barriers, despite this rare accident, highlights their commitment to providing an unobstructed view of history to their visitors. “There is a special charm in showing archaeological finds without obstructions,” the museum noted.

Restoration efforts for the shattered jar are already underway. A specialist in conservation has been appointed to carefully piece the jar back together. Although the restoration process will return the jar to its display, Alex acknowledged that the artifact would no longer be the same. “We will feel relieved to see the jar restored but are sorry because it will no longer be the same item,” he told the BBC.

The Hecht Museum, located within the grounds of the University of Haifa, is renowned for its collection of archaeology and art. Despite this unfortunate incident, the museum remains committed to its philosophy of displaying artifacts as authentically as possible, without the interference of protective glass.

Source: BBC