#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.

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Exhibitions

“Art for Peace”

10 – 28 October 2022

Starting from 10th to 28th of October, the painting exhibition "Art for Peace", a charity exhibition for refugees from the neighboring country and vulnerable families from Moldova, can be visited at the National Museum of History of Moldova.

The exhibition includes a series of works signed by local plastic artists together with the union of Ukrainian plastic artists from the Republic of Moldova. The exhibition is part of a unique event: on October 5, at the National History Museum of Moldova, a piano painted by refugee children from Ukraine was launched as part of the "Sing for Hope Moldova" project.

Sing for Hope is one of New York City's largest public art projects, bringing artist-painted pianos to the city's parks and public spaces. "Sing for Hope" aims to support children in war zones or in vulnerable situations through art therapy. The amount collected from the sales of paintings will be donated to refugee children in Ukraine. Everyone's joint effort can bring hope to those who are going through such difficult times.

The works of the following artists will be presented at the exhibition: Tatiana Frunze, Eleonora Brigalda, Ştefan Popa, Victor Guţu, Inga Edu, Vasile Dohotaru, Gheorghe Oprea, Damian Furdui, Ofelia Huţul, Mariea Boz, Sabina Volchivschi, Anastasia Petruşco, Veaceslav Bakiţkii, Irina Tricoloci , Alexandr Drobaha, Mihail Statnii.

The project was organized in partnership with the National Museum of History of Moldova, the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Moldova, Art Fest, Moldova for Peace, Community Center 151, Europe's Art Gallery, Women in Art for Peace, the Theater Center of Moldova.

The National Museum of History of Moldova is honored to be among the partners of this charity event, being open to contribute at any time to the promotion of actions to support people in need. The National Museum of History of Moldova is a promoter of peace and peaceful coexistence between peoples.

#Exhibit of the Month

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

“Art for Peace”

10 – 28 October 2022

#Exhibit of the Month