An ancient 3500 year old jar artifact dating back to the Bronze Age (between 2200 and 1500 BC) was knocked over by a five year old child during a museum visit.
Displayed at the Hect Museum in Haifa, Israel, the jar did not have any protective glass surrounding it as the museum curators believe there to be a “special charm” in the open display of such rare artifacts, choosing this kind of display whenever possible and will continue to do so despite this rare incident.
The jar, possibly used to carry wine or oils, was considered an extremely rare find by the archaeologists. It was unearthed remarkably intact compared to others which typically are discovered in pieces.
The museum will not charge the family for the destruction as it was a genuine accident by a small child and in no way intentional for which the consequence will reflect. The museum has sent the artifact to a conservation specialist to restore the jar. The jar will be placed back in the same spot after its restoration.
The child’s father expressed shock and disbelief- having not seen the incident occur himself- and gave apologies on behalf of the child to the museum and local news. A security guard had to confirm that the child was at fault for the breakage as the parent was not watching. The child was curious about the contents of the jar and pulled it by the neck towards himself, where it then fell and broke to pieces. The father has stated he is relieved the jar could be fixed but remorseful, as it would not be the same item again.
The museum has invited the child back for a special organized tour.
Source: https://reportafrique.com/news/hecht-museum4-yr-old-break-3500yr-artifact/
