The jar is shown just before the incident occurred. CNN
A four-year-old boy accidentally broke a valuable Bronze Age jar at an archaeological museum in Haifa, Israel. The jar, believed to be between 3,500 and 4,500 years old, was on display without a glass case at the museum’s entrance.
The museum, known for openly showcasing artifacts, has defended its decision not to use protective cases. The founder, Reuben Hecht, had insisted on making artifacts accessible to the public, believing that it adds to the charm of experiencing historical objects directly.
The incident happened last Friday when the child, curious about the jar’s contents, inadvertently pulled it, causing it to fall and break. The child’s father recounted his shock upon seeing his son next to the broken artifact, initially having trouble accepting that his child was responsible.
The jar, dating from between 2200 BC and 1500 BC, was used in ancient times for storing and transporting liquids like wine or olive oil. Although similar jars have been discovered before, most were damaged or incomplete. This jar was notable for being intact, making it a particularly significant find.
Inbal Rivlin, the museum's head, responded to the situation by inviting the boy and his mother back for a private tour. Rivlin emphasized that the museum is a living space meant to be accessible to families, despite the accident. She reassured the public that such incidents, though unfortunate, are part of the museum experience. The museum has since updated its signage to clarify which items should not be touched.
The museum, established in 1984 on the University of Haifa’s campus, features artifacts from as early as the Chalcolithic period. A restoration expert has been enlisted to repair the broken jar using photographs of its original condition. The museum plans to use the restoration process as an educational opportunity.
The father of the boy expressed regret that the jar would no longer be the same, acknowledging the historical loss while expressing his apologies.
