The only problem is that it is an exhibit that is thousands of years old. However, the institution says it did not inform the police – instead it invited the child to the museum for another tour.
“There are cases where exhibits are deliberately damaged, and such cases are treated with great severity, including involving the police,” Inbal Rivlin, director of the Hecht Museum, told dpa. “However, this was not the case in the present case. The jug was accidentally damaged by a small child who visited the museum, and the reaction will be accordingly.”
The four-year-old and his family were invited to visit the museum again and see the restored piece. The family has already agreed to come this weekend, said Rivlin. A tour will be organized for them – so that they can process the shared experience in a pleasant way. The museum did not provide any further details about the incident.
“Impressive find”
The museum’s reaction may be surprising, as the vessel dates from the Middle Bronze Age between 2200 and 1500 BC, making it at least 3500 years old. “Similar vessels have been found during archaeological excavations, but most of them turned out to be broken or incomplete,” explained Rivlin. The piece on display, however, was previously intact – and was considered “an impressive find” due to its size.
However, the institution follows a clear stance: According to Rivlin, it places “particular emphasis on making archaeological objects accessible to the public – and whenever possible, the objects are displayed without barriers or glass walls. The museum believes that there is a special appeal in experiencing an archaeological find unhindered.” This is not going to change now.
