#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

"A walk through 20th century Chișinău"

Opening: November 5, 2019, 17:00, Suțu Palace

November 5 – 24, 2019

Chisinau is, without a doubt, a city of contrasts. A settlement that leads life between "was" and "is". We live this contrast sharply, we see and experience it every day, and its architecture is deeply marked by the transition from the old to the new, being a witness and main indicator of change.

Known from the pictures from the beginning of the last century as a small but very friendly city, today we are increasingly confronted with the nostalgic phrase "here it was" ... "Here was the Diocese", "here was the Hotel Suisse", "here was the girls' gymnasium where the deputies from the Sfatul Țării voted the Union in 1918". Of the architectural jewels that once enjoyed the eyes of the townspeople, today we have only pictures left. These pictures are included in collection catalogs and today, the unknown treasures of architecture and urban life, reflected in 48 images, are brought to the public's attention in an exhibition dedicated to Chișinău in the 20th century.

Chișinău is an open air museum, where thousands of people throughout their lives have lived, loved, built with meaning and humility the image of the city "carved in white stone". Each street keeps the footsteps of those who admired it, whether they were simple or noble people. Each villa retains the living memory of its masters and some are still waiting for them, and the holy places in Chișinău are illuminated by the thoughts of those who admired them or passed through the entrance door.

This exhibition is a challenge for all of us to rediscover Chișinău in times when we have and give so little time for the beauty. It is an invitation to a virtual walk on the streets of former times in an attempt to bring back to attention known or forgotten facts, places loaded with history or emotions. And, as in any place that tends to validate its authenticity through culture, Chișinău, today, perhaps more than ever, needs the exercise of memory in order to survive and develop.

The exhibition of these images at the Suțu Palace was made possible thanks to the combined effort of two teams formed of Dr. hab. Eugen SAVA - General director, Mariana VASILACHE-CUROȘU - Deputy director, Ana GRIȚCO - Head of History section, Cătălina PLINSCHI and Denis TOPAL - exhibition graphics (National Museum of History of Moldova); and Dr. Adrian MAJURU - Manager and Dr. Dan PÎRVULESCU - Deputy director (Bucharest Municipal Museum), hosts of this event.