The Hecht Museum in Haifa, Israel recently had an unexpected incident when a 4-year-old boy accidentally broke a rare 3,500-year-old Bronze Age jar on display. Despite the unfortunate mishap, the museum has chosen to use this incident as a teaching moment.
The boy’s father, Alex Geller, described his son as curious and not one to typically destroy things. The jar was part of the museum’s open exhibition, allowing visitors to explore history without barriers, and was displayed at the entrance.
Following the incident, the family quickly left, but the museum’s director, Inbar Rivlin, hopes to turn it into a learning opportunity. The family has been invited back for a make-up visit, showcasing the museum’s commitment to education and understanding.
The jar, dating back to between 2200 and 1500 B.C., was used to store wine or oil and has been on display for 35 years. Restoration experts plan to use 3D technology to repair it in a matter of days, with the hope of having it back on display soon.
Roee Shafir, a restoration expert at the museum, explained that the process of restoring the jar involves carefully connecting the pieces with special glue. Despite the accident, the museum remains dedicated to making artifacts accessible to the public, believing that the connection with history can inspire a deeper interest in archaeology.
Geller’s son may be too young to consider archaeology as a career, but the family is excited to return to the museum as special guests and continue their exploration of history. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of preservation and education in the world of archaeology.
