Boy shatters 3,500-year-old jar in Israel museum

A CHILD’S innocent curiosity turned a quiet museum visit into a moment of shock and sorrow when a four-year-old boy accidentally shattered a 3,500-year-old jar at the Hecht Museum in Haifa, Israel.

The ancient artifact, which dates back to the Bronze Age, was on display near the entrance without any protective glass—a deliberate choice by the museum to allow visitors a closer connection to history.

The incident unfolded when the boy, intrigued by the jar, gave it a slight tug to see what was inside. To the horror of his father, Alex, the jar tumbled to the floor and broke into pieces.

“I couldn’t believe it at first,” the father told BBC.

“I was in shock, thinking it wasn’t my child who had done it.” After calming his son down, Alex quickly informed the museum’s security about the mishap.

The Hecht Museum, located within the University of Haifa, is celebrated for its impressive collection of archaeological and artistic artifacts.

The shattered jar, believed to have been used for storing supplies such as wine and olive oil, was an extraordinary find.

Unlike most pottery from that era, which is typically discovered in fragments, this jar had remained remarkably intact until the fateful day of the accident.

In the wake of the incident, the museum extended an invitation to the boy and his family for a guided tour.

Lihi Laszlo, a museum representative, clarified that while the museum takes instances of intentional damage seriously, this case was different.

The museum has already engaged a specialist to restore the jar, promising its return to display in the near future.

Despite the damage, the museum intends to uphold its tradition of displaying artifacts without barriers, citing the unique charm it adds to the exhibition.

Alex and his family expressed relief at the restoration efforts but couldn’t help feeling regretful that “it will no longer be the same item.”

The jar, which predates the reign of Biblical figures King David and King Solomon, hails from the Canaan region on the eastern Mediterranean coast. Its historical significance, now paired with a new story of curiosity and consequence, remains a testament to the delicate balance between preserving the past and allowing the present to engage with it.(MyTVCebu)

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