4-year-old breaks jar from the Bronze Age

Tragedy struck at an archeological museum in Haifa, Israel, this week when a jar dated back to the Bronze Age was accidentally destroyed by a 4-year-old boy.

The Hecht Museum shared in a statement with CNN that the artifact, dated to be at least 3,500 years old, was on display without a glass case near the entrance to the museum at the time of the incident.

Photos of the destroyed jar have been shared to social media.

The museum defended its decision to display the artifact how it did, saying its founder, Reuben Hecht, emphasized making the artifacts accessible to the public.

“The museum believes there is a special charm in experiencing an archaeological find without any obstructions,” the statement said.

Inbal Rivlin, the head of the museum, shared with the Israeli news outlet Ynet that the boy and his mother have been welcomed back for a private tour.

“The museum is not a mausoleum but a living place, open to families (and) accessible,” she told the news outlet, adding: “We are appealing to parents: Don’t be afraid. Things like this happen. We will fix (the jar) and put it back.”

The child’s father spoke with BBC about what happened, saying his son “pulled the jar slightly” while visiting the museum last Friday because he was “curious about what was inside.”

The museum believes that the artifact dates from 2200 BC to 1500 BC, predating the reigns of King David and King Solomon, who ruled ancient Israel and Judag in the 10th century BC.

The jar was most likely used for storing and transporting liquids like olive oil or wines.

The museum shared that while similar vessels have been found like this one in the past, most were not completely intact, making the now destroyed item an “impressive find.”

Rivlin shared with Ynet that new signs have been printed to indicate which items can or cannot be touched.

Museum officials are now working to see if restoring the broken jar is possible.

“The jar will be returned to its place in a short time,” the museum shared. It also noted that the incident would be an educational moment for the public and future visitors.