Broken Bronze-Age Jar Back on Display After 4-Year-Old’s Accidental Smash

A rare Bronze-Age jar, accidentally shattered by a four-year-old boy during a museum visit, is back on display after a meticulous restoration process, The Associated Press reports.

The incident, which captured international attention last month, occurred at the Hecht Museum in Haifa. The boy, the youngest of three siblings, was exploring the museum with his family when he tipped over the jar, sending it crashing to the floor.

The jar, dating back to between 2200 and 1500 B.C., had been on display for 35 years and was one of the only complete containers of its size from that period. It was likely used to hold wine or oil.

The museum, known for its open-display policy, allowing visitors to explore history without barriers, turned the incident into a teaching moment. The family was invited back for a special visit to witness the restoration process firsthand.

Museum director Inbal Rivlin explained that the event provided a welcome distraction from the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Restoration expert Roee Shafir, using 3D technology, high-resolution videos, and special glue, painstakingly reconstructed the jar, which consisted of a single, complete piece. While the gluing process left small hairline cracks and a few pieces are missing, the jar’s impressive size remains intact.

The jar is now back on display at the museum, with a new sign reading “Please don’t touch.”