Ancient jar broken by 4-year-old fixed and back on display in Israel

TEL AVIV — A rare Bronze-Era jar that was accidentally broken by a 4-year-old during a family visit to a museum is once again on display following extensive restoration efforts.

In an unexpected turn of events last month, a family from northern Israel visited the Hecht Museum in Haifa when their youngest son accidentally tipped over the significant artifact, resulting in a shattering of its pieces. Alex Geller, the child’s father, described his initial reaction, saying that upon hearing the crash, he could only think, “please let that not be my child.”

The jar in question had been a part of the museum’s permanent collection for the past 35 years. Notably, it is one of the few remaining complete vessels of its kind from the Bronze Age, a period stretching between 2200 and 1500 B.C. Archaeologists believe it was likely used for storing wine or oil.

Inbal Rivlin, the director of the Hecht Museum, expressed the institution’s commitment to making history accessible, emphasizing the museum’s philosophy of letting visitors engage with artifacts without barriers. This approach aims to foster a deeper connection to history.

In light of the incident that garnered international attention, the museum decided to convert this unfortunate event into a learning opportunity. The Geller family was invited back for a special visit involving hands-on activities to demonstrate the restoration process.

Rivlin pointed out that the incident offered a brief respite from the ongoing hostilities in Gaza, highlighting the universal appeal of children’s curiosity. “Well, he’s just a kid. So I think that somehow it touches the heart of the people in Israel and around the world,” she noted.

Roee Shafir, a restoration expert at the museum, described the repair process as relatively straightforward since all pieces belonged to a single jar. In contrast, professionals in archaeology frequently tackle the complex task of assembling fragments from various artifacts.

Utilizing advanced methods such as 3D technology, high-resolution video, and specialized adhesives, experts painstakingly reconstructed the jar, aspiring to restore it to its former glory.

Less than two weeks after the accident, the jar was reinstated for public display. While the restoration left behind small hairline fractures and a few missing fragments, its remarkable size and presence remain intact.

The only alteration in the exhibit features a new sign that politely requests visitors not to touch the reconstructed artifact, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Despite the incident’s initial distressing impact, it has transformed into a platform for education and engagement, allowing visitors and families to learn about the delicate processes of restoration. The Hecht Museum thus continues to stand out as a place where history is not only preserved but actively brought to life for all who visit.