A 4-year-old boy accidentally smashed a Bronze Age jar during a visit to a museum in Israel on Friday, the museum said.
The ancient jar, which was on display at the University of Haifa’s Hecht Museum, dates back to between 2200 and 1500 B.C., making it at least 3,500 years old. It was especially rare due to it being fully intact — well, until recently.
The boy’s father — identified only by his first name, Alex — told the BBC the jar fell to the ground after his son “pulled the jar slightly” because he was “curious about what was inside.”
Bronze Age jars are seen at the Hecht Museum in Haifa, Israel, Aug. 23, 2024.
Courtesy The Hecht Museum
Alex was “in shock” when he saw his son next to the smashed artifact, and initially thought, “It wasn’t my child that did it,” but spoke to a security guard after calming the child down.
The museum’s director, Inbal Rivlin, told ABC News they understand it was an accident.
“There are instances where display items are intentionally damaged, and such cases are treated with great severity, including involving the police,” Rivlin said. “In this case, however, this was not the situation. The jar was accidentally damaged by a young child visiting the museum, and the response will be accordingly.”
The jar had been displayed at the museum’s entrance, without glass or barriers, which Rivlin said is a core tenet of the museum in order to make “archaeological items accessible to the public.”
A Bronze Age jar is seen smashed at the Hecht Museum in Haifa, Israel, Aug. 23, 2024.
Courtesy The Hecht Museum
“The museum believes that there is a special charm in experiencing an archaeological find without any obstructions, and despite the rare incident with the jar, the Hecht Museum will continue this tradition,” she said.
Rivlin said the jar was used to store and transport supplies, particularly wine and olive oil.
A conservation specialist has been selected to restore the jar, and Rivlin said it would be “returned to its place in a short time.”
The family was invited back to see the repaired artifact, Rivlin said, and are planning to visit again this coming weekend.
Alex told BBC he was “relieved” the jar would be repaired, but is “sorry” that “it will no longer be the same item.”
A recent incident at a museum has sparked controversy and debate after a young child accidentally broke an ancient artifact on display. The incident occurred at the Museum of Ancient History, where a family was visiting the exhibit on ancient Egyptian artifacts.
According to reports, the child, who was estimated to be around 5 years old, was unsupervised for a brief moment and managed to grab hold of a small figurine that was part of the exhibit. In a moment of curiosity and excitement, the child dropped the figurine, causing it to shatter into pieces.
Museum staff immediately rushed to the scene and assessed the damage. The artifact in question was a rare and valuable piece from the ancient Egyptian era, dating back thousands of years. The museum curator expressed deep regret over the incident, stating that the artifact was irreplaceable and held significant historical and cultural value.
The incident has raised questions about museum safety protocols and the importance of supervision when visiting such institutions. While museums strive to provide an educational and enriching experience for visitors of all ages, incidents like this highlight the need for increased vigilance and awareness, especially when young children are present.
In response to the incident, the museum has implemented stricter security measures, including increased staff presence in exhibit areas and additional signage reminding visitors to handle artifacts with care. The family involved in the incident has also issued a public apology and offered to cover the cost of repairing the damaged artifact.
Experts in the field of museum conservation have weighed in on the incident, emphasizing the fragility of ancient artifacts and the importance of preserving them for future generations. They stress the need for museums to strike a balance between accessibility and protection, ensuring that valuable artifacts are safeguarded while still being made available for public viewing.
Ultimately, the incident serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with visiting museums and handling precious artifacts. While accidents can happen, it is crucial for visitors to exercise caution and respect when interacting with historical objects. By learning from this unfortunate event, museums can continue to educate and inspire visitors while preserving our shared cultural heritage for years to come.
