#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

„Chișinău yesterday and today”

October 13th – November 9th, 2015

On October 13th, in the upper lobby of the National Museum of History of Moldova, in a family atmosphere, was opened a paintings exhibition by Valentina Brâncoveanu, realistic painter, member of the Union of Plastic Artists of Moldova. The exhibition is dedicated to the Day of Chișinău.

The exhibition "Chișinău yesterday and today" brings together 48 paintings made in the technique oil on canvas and cardboard and invites us to an imaginary walk around the city full of shapes and colors, from the past and present to taste the atmosphere of what the city was and what it is today. The paintings show Chișinău's landscape - old houses, courtyards, streets, still lifes, churches, places Valentina Brâncoveanu feels connected with all her being. Chișinău is captures in all seasons, at sunrise and at sunset. The painter has discovered and immortalized on canvas cityscapes and facades of historic monuments which still retain the elegance of classical forms.

Many houses and courtyards painted by the artist in different periods of life no longer exist. Unfortunately, the merciless wheel of time left its imprint over these places changing the architectural environment of the city.

Valentina Brâncoveanu's paintings displayed in the exhibition „Chisinau yesterday and today" are, in fact, an honest and beautiful color monologue made out of love for her hometown.