Boy Causes 3,500-Year-Old Jar to Shatter, Museum Offers Open Invitation for Return Visit

A 4-year-old boy inadvertently shattered a 3,500-year-old jar at the Hecht Museum in Haifa, Israel, prompting the museum to invite him and his family back, NBC News reported. During their visit, the curious boy, identified only through his father Alex, tugged on the jar to see inside, accidentally knocking it over and breaking it into pieces. The jar, originating from the Bronze Age (2200-1500 BC) and characteristic of the Canaan region, was notable for its intact condition and size compared to other similar archaeological finds.

Alex expressed his shock to the BBC, mentioning that his first thought was disbelief that his son was responsible. The museum, which typically allows unencased viewing of artifacts to enhance visitor experience, noted that the jar, usually utilized for storing goods like olive oil and wine, predates the reigns of Biblical figures King Solomon and King David.

Despite such an incident, where intentionally damaged items often lead to severe repercussions and police involvement, the museum treated this accidental damage leniently. Highlighting their goodwill, museum director Inbal Rivlin extended a public invitation for the family’s return to see the repaired jar, a gesture appreciated and already accepted by the family.

Conservationist Roy Shafir from the University of Haifa’s School of Archaeology and Marine Cultures will oversee the restoration. Rivlin confirmed that the jar would soon be back on display alongside an explanation of the restoration process. Undeterred by this mishap, the Hecht Museum continues to prioritize public access to its artifacts, maintaining its policy of minimal obstructions to enhance visitor engagement.

Earlier, SSP wrote about a woman who shown her extremely tiny apartment in New York.