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An estimated 3,500-year-old vessel estimated for its “impressive” intact condition and large size was recently smashed to pieces at an archaeological site. museum in Israel after being inspected by a child.
The ancient vase, dating to the Middle Bronze Age between 2200 and 1500 BC, accidentally fell while on display at the Hecht Museum at the University of Haifa, the museum’s director general, Dr. Inbal Rivlin, said said in a statement.
“It dates back to the time of King David and King Solomon and is characteristic of the Canaan region,” Rivlin said of the artifact, noting that the “impressive discovery” was used to transport supplies such as the wine and olive oil. “Similar vessels have been found in archaeological excavations, but most have been found broken or incomplete.”
The vase had been on display among others near the entrance to the museum and was not protected by glass, Rivlin explained that the museum believes there is a “special charm” in having the items in unobstructed view. .
The boy’s father, Alex, he told the BBC that her 4-year-old was “curious about what was inside” and “pulled the jar a bit,” causing it to fall. (The father was identified only by his first name in the report).
After seeing his son standing next to the pieces, he said he was shocked and immediately thought “it wasn’t my son who did it”. She later comforted her son and spoke to a security guard about the incident.
The museum said it has already contacted a conservation specialist to repair the vase and that the boy and his family have been encouraged to return to the museum and see it once repaired to help “soften” their previous experience.
“There are cases where the display items are intentionally damaged, and such cases are treated with great severity, including the police. In this case, however, this was not the situation,” Rivlin said in his statement.
The damage will also be used as a learning opportunity, he said, with plans to document its repair for the public.
