#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

„Archaeology in the Republic of Moldova for 22 Years”

August 27 – September 16, 2013

On the Independence Day of the Republic of Moldova, 27 August 2013 the National Museum of History of Moldova opened the exhibition „Archaeology in the Republic of Moldova for 22 Years".

„Archaeology in the Republic of Moldova for 22 Years”

By means of the most valuable exhibits presented in the showcases we tried to show that in over two decades of independence the archaeology of the Republic of Moldova has experienced a new and significant development.

Systematic archaeological investigations and rescue researches brought to light hundreds of new, previously unknown sites. In a few dozen of them, belonging to the times from the Paleolithic period to the Late Middle Ages and Early Modern Epoch, excavations were conducted. Materials discovered in the process of research have revealed in the Prut-Dniester region several new archaeological cultures such as the Neolithic Cris culture, Free Dacians' culture, etc.

The most important materials resulting from the research undertaken in these years by teams of archaeologists (Institute of Cultural Heritage of ASM, National Museum of History of Moldova, State University of Moldova, „Ion Creanga" State Pedagogical University, National Archaeological Agency under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova) were presented in the basic exhibition of the museum, others have been exhibited in numerous temporary exhibitions.

Along with national exhibitions, archaeological materials found on sites of the Republic of Moldova have been included in international exhibitions organized in scientific centers and museums of Romania, USA, Germany, UK, Italy, Greece and so on, being highly appreciated by the scientific community and the people of culture.

In this period there were drafted new legislation and regulations related to the research and protection of the archaeological heritage. New, previously unused directions of research have appeared: church archeology and urban archeology.

The importance of the archaeological remains discovered in these years in the Republic of Moldova is evidenced by many international projects for the elucidation of multiple aspects of the evolution and development of human communities in ancient and prehistoric period, with the participation of renowned experts from research institutions of Europe and the U.S. The results of these multidisciplinary researches were admitted into the domain of science and culture through publishing an impressive number of academic papers, encyclopedias, monographs, studies and articles in the country and abroad. Some of them were honored with major national and international awards.