Boy accidentally smashes 3500-year old artefact
A 3500-year old jar has been smashed to pieces after a four-year-old boy accidentally knocked it over during a trip to a museum in Israel.
The Hecht Museum in Haifa told the BBC that the artefact dates back to the Bronze Age between 2200 and 1500BC - and was considered a rare find because it was so intact.
It had been on display near the entrance of the museum without any protective glass around it, as the museum believes there is a “special charm” in showcasing archaeological finds “without obstructions”.
The boy's father, Alex, told the publication that his son had only "pulled the jar slightly" because he was "curious about what was inside", causing it to fall.
He also said that he was "in shock" to see his son next to the ruined artefact and initially thought "it wasn't my child that did it".
After calming his child down, he spoke to a security guard who confirmed what happened.
The museum stated they would not be charging the family and they've even invited the child back to the exhibition for an organised tour after the incident occurred a few days ago.
“There are instances where display items are intentionally damaged, and such cases are treated with great severity, including involving the police,” Lihi Laszlo from The Hecht Museum told the BBC.
“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.”
A conservation specialist has also been brought on board to restore the jar, which will be returned to the museum "in a short time".
The boy's father said they will feel "relieved" to see the jar restored but added they are "sorry" because "it will no longer be the same item".
“Despite the rare incident” the museum told the publication that they intend to continue displaying items without barriers or glass walls, where possible.
The ancient jar was likely originally used to carry local supplies like wine and olive oil and predates the time of the Biblical King David and King Solomon and is distinctive of the Canaan region on the eastern Mediterranean coast.
Images: Hecht Museum