A Boy Accidentally Breaks a 3,500-Year-Old Jar at the Museum

An artifact in a museum sustained significant damage due to an accident caused by a 4-year-old boy.

A little child broke a 3,500-year-old Bronze Age jar that was on exhibit without being protected by glass on Friday, August 23, while visiting Israel's Hecht Museum with his parents, according to CNN.

The Hecht Museum gave an explanation for its choice to show some antiques without safety glass to PEOPLE, stating that the museum's founder, Reuben Hecht, wanted to make sure the relics were available to the public.

Hecht Museum general manager Dr. Inbal Rivlin affirms that even with the jar broken, the practice would go on because "the museum believes there is a special charm in experiencing an archaeological find without any obstructions."

The damaged artifact does have a little bright spot. The jar will be restored by Roy Shafir, a conservation specialist from the University of Haifa's School of Archaeology and Marine Cultures, according to the Hecht Museum.

 
"The jar will be returned to its place in a short time given the photographic documentation of the jar and familiarity with its form," Dr. Rivlin stated.

"The general manager continues, 'The Hecht Museum will also take the opportunity to document the conservation work so that it can be presented to the public as well.' Soon, the jar and the work that facilitated "it's rescue will be visible again."

Alex, the boy's father, described the event in an interview with The Guardian. "My first response was one of denial. "It's unbelievable that my son did it," he remarked.

His father clarified that after his kid "pulled the jar slightly... that's how the jar tipped over and fell" out of initial curiosity about what might be inside.

"I was shocked at first," the boy's father continued. "I got a little upset with him after that." Alex revealed with surprise that he and his spouse had fully anticipated receiving criticism or some other form of punishment for the mishap, but that had not happened.

He told The Guardian, "Instead of imposing fines or punishment, they invited us to visit again."

Speaking to PEOPLE, Dr. Rivlin said he recognized the incident as an accident. The general manager states, "There are situations where display items are purposefully damaged, and such cases are treated with great severity, including involving the police."