#Exhibit of the Month

The exhibit of the month for November is a rare glass goblet from the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov cemetery, discovered in Tigheci. Dated to the second half of the 4th century AD, this remarkable artifact demonstrates the craftsmanship of the time, made from translucent greenish glass with a truncated cone shape and intricate geometric decoration. The goblet features three rows of hexagonal facets, framed by incised lines, and a row of elongated ovals under the rim, characteristics which classify it within Series VII A, according to E. Straume's classification. These ornamental traits hint at artistic influences from various regions and indicate the spread of technologies and ideas within the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov culture.

Archaeological Context of the Discovery

The Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov cemetery at Tigheci is located in a historically complex area, positioned on the northwest slope of the Tigheci River, at the "La Lutărie" point. First identified in the 1980s following unauthorized clay extraction, the cemetery has suffered considerable damage, leading to the loss of valuable artifacts and the destruction of graves. Among the objects recovered by Mr. Ion Pușcașu, founder of the Museum of History and Ethnography in Tigheci, are wheel-thrown ceramic items reflecting the traditions and techniques of communities during the Migration Period.

The site was first archaeologically investigated in 1990, when a complete inhumation grave was found, though lacking any inventory. Subsequent surveys in 2013 and 2015 by the National Archaeological Agency revealed ongoing erosion damaging the cemetery, necessitating a rescue excavation in 2017. This campaign documented and investigated five graves from the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov culture, including the skeletal remains of a male individual estimated to have been 40 to 45 years old at the time of death, offering additional insights into the demographic structure of this community.

Cultural Significance and Comparisons

The hexagonally faceted glass goblet is among the most valuable artifacts from the Tigheci cemetery. Similar goblets are characteristic of the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov culture and have been found in notable sites such as Târgșor and Bârlad-Valea Seacă (Romania) and Gavrilovka, Ranjevoe (Ukraine), reflecting the cultural and trade connections of this community with other centers of influence in Late Antiquity. Ancient texts and cultural parallels suggest a complex interaction zone with Hellenistic and Roman influences, reflected in luxury goods production such as this glass goblet.

Virtual Tour

Rescue archaeological research at Piata Veche of Chisinau in 2012

During April-May 2012 researchers from Archaeology sectors of NMAHM carried out rescue archaeological investigations in the historical center of Chisinau, at Piata Veche (Old Market), 10.

Here during the digging the foundation pit for the construction of a multistoried building, there were damaged, and largely destroyed cultural layers from the medieval and pre-modern age, several housing complexes, workshops, household and domestic pits of the Chisinau fair.

Note that the micro-area in which surveys were conducted for archaeological discharge of the land is part of the historic core of Chisinau (no. 308 in the register of monuments protected by the State of the Republic of Moldova), and from the protection of the Armenian Church of Virgin Birth of Lord (No. 23 in the Register), built between 1803-1804, which sites are protected by state national category.

As a result of archaeological investigations there have been cleaned wall remnants of the old cellars and foundations of buildings from the medieval and pre-modern age. It was highlighted by the embankment and scientifically documented the stratigraphy of the historical development of Chisinau from the mid seventeenth century until modern times. Two complexes were investigated, one of which (L.-A.1) have walls from wood with an annex that was formed by the remains of a craft kiln destroyed by the blades of bulldozers; remains of another kiln and several waste pits. In these complexes there was found an impressive collection of tools and pieces, decorated tiles with Byzantine double-headed eagle image, candlesticks, various pottery or glass, belonging to the mentioned period. Also there were found many coins of brass or white metal, of Tatar, Turkish and Russian provenance, which allows to determine the exact chronology of remains investigated in the rescue excavations.

Archaeological materials found in the Old Market area of Chisinau come to complete with new and striking evidence, the little information that reached up nowdays from written documents or travelers sparse mentions of foreign travelers (Niccolo Barsi, Evlia Celebi etc.). They enable us to reconstruct, closer to social and economic realities, the emergence and development stages of the old town near the Mazaraki hill, the repository of historical artifacts particularly important for understanding our past.

#Exhibit of the Month

Glass Goblet from the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov Cemetery (4th Century AD) in Tigheci

Rescue archaeological research at Piata Veche of Chisinau in 2012

#Exhibit of the Month