Haifa, Israel – A rare Bronze-Era jar that was accidentally smashed by a curious 4-year-old has been restored and returned to public exhibition at the Hecht Museum in Haifa. The incident captured international attention, leading to a unique teaching moment for both the museum and the visiting family. The jar, dating back to between 2200 and 1500 B.C., is believed to have been used to hold wine or oil and had been on display for 35 years before the mishap occurred.
The young boy’s family was visiting the museum when he knocked over the ancient artifact, shattering it into pieces. Despite the initial shock and concern, experts at the museum were able to piece the jar back together using 3D technology, hi-resolution videos, and special glue. The restoration process, although leaving behind some hairline cracks and missing pieces, managed to maintain the impressive size and integrity of the historic vessel.
Inbal Rivlin, the director of the Hecht Museum, highlighted the museum’s vision of allowing visitors to explore history without glass barriers, which includes exhibiting artifacts like the Bronze Age jar out in the open. Turning the incident into a positive learning experience, the museum welcomed the Geller family back for a special tour and hands-on activity to demonstrate how the restoration process took place.
Amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the heartwarming story of the young boy’s curiosity and the subsequent restoration of the ancient jar provided a welcome distraction for many. Rivlin shared that the boy, being just a child, seemed to capture the hearts of people in Israel and around the world. Despite the small imperfections resulting from the restoration, the relic remains accessible to the public without any protective glass, emphasizing the museum’s commitment to engaging visitors in a tactile exploration of history. The jar now sits back on display, adorned with a new sign reminding visitors to refrain from touching the delicate artifact.