#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

Exhibitions

„20 years of Moldovan Leu ”

November 29th, 2013 - January 10th, 2014

There are 20 years on November 29^th, 2013 since the introduction intro circulation of the national coin of Republic of Moldova. The Exhibition organized by the National Museum of History of Moldova in collaboration with the National Bank of Moldova has the aim to commemorate this event and familiarize the large public with the history of introduction of Moldovan Leu.

The period from the declaration of Sovereignty and Independence until the introduction of the leu was been cumbersome and difficult for the young state Republic of Moldova. The republic has confronted a strong inflation and a big deficit in food production and other goods. The country was in need of its own monetary system to stand up these problems. The Republic of Moldova has known several stages and types of temporary money units until the presidential decree no. 200 „Regarding the introduction of national coin in Republic of Moldova" from November 24^th, 1993 has been signed.

In order to create a comprehensive picture of leu instruction history the exhibition presents a series of materials preceding the monetary reform that reflect the elaboration and implementation process of provisional money, numismatic and commemorative coins issued by the National Bank of Moldova. A large part of exhibited documents and pieces are part of master Gheorghe Vrabie's collection, artist from the Republic of Moldova, author and designer of national banknotes and coins. Among these are graphic sketches of Ştefan cel Mare' image from both series of leu, pictures reflecting the creation of banknotes, different ornamental elements, NBM' logo, different symbols and representations on the front and back of banknotes.

The public has the occasion to see black and white and color coupons called „Consumer's card" introduced in circulation at the beginning of year 1991 by the National Bank and the Government to protect the consumer market from Moldovan SSR. These are followed by coupons with multiple value introduced on June 2^nd, 1992 equivalent with the Soviet Ruble to 1:1, which had values of 200, 50, 1000 and 5000 (rubles). On September 20^th, 1993 had been introduces the 5 lei coupon as payment method equivalent to 5000 coupons (rubles). The 5 lei banknote, called then a coupon, represented actually one of the first three types of leu elaborated by master Gheorghe Vrabie. All these banknotes can be seen in the exhibition showcases. They are followed by samples of banknotes that are in use today, metallic coins including those drawn out of circulation and jubilee and commemorative coins. The first jubilee coin issued by the National Bank of Moldova has been consecrated to the fifth anniversary from Republic of Moldova's Declaration of Independence with a nominal value of 100 lei. The first series of such coins - Monasteries of Moldova - has been inaugurated in 2000. Samples from this series with a nominal value of 50 lei, from silver, picture images of 20 monasteries from Republic of Moldova. The graphical sketches have been realized by artists Vitalie Pogolșa and Simion Zamșa. There were later introduced other series of commemorative and jubilee coins: Historic Events; Alley of Classics from Public garden „Ştefan cel Mare și Sfânt" from Chișinău; Sport; Personalities; Sacred Places; Monuments of Moldova; Holidays, culture, traditions of Moldova; Red book of Republic of Moldova.