#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

"Chisinau people of the 20th century"

17 – 31 July 2023

"Chisinau people of the 20th century" is a social and educational volunteer project, implemented by the RVC Republican Volunteer Center, which aims to develop contemporary society. It includes a series of events and meetings that help overcome social loneliness in the elderly, preserve memory and develop cultural ties between the city and the Jewish community.

This project became the starting point for an alternative form of volunteering in our country and developed various approaches to adapt the professional skills of volunteer participants.

During the year, 50 volunteers and over 400 elderly people participated in the project. As part of the activities related to the "Chisinau people of the 20th century", the "Let's go to the Museum" project was carried out in collaboration with the HESED Day Center with the support provided by the National Museum of History of Moldova, the "Alexei Șciusev" Memorial House in Chisinau, the National Museum of Arts of Moldova, the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History, the "Aleksandr Pushkin" House-Museum, the History Museum of the City of Chisinau, the Museum of the State University of Moldova, the Botanical Garden of the State University of Moldova, the State Russian Drama Theater " Anton Cehov" and the excursion route in Chisinau offered by TMG.

Events and meetings were held on a voluntary basis, with the participation of lecturers who are well-versed in the history of the city, while the elderly shared their personal experiences and memories from their youth.

As a result, we present to the general public an exhibition of photos containing a QR code http://rvc20.tilda.ws/ on an online magazine of stories and quotes collected by volunteers during the past year and invite everyone to join the project in 2023. Each of us has the opportunity to be good and help others. This is the only way we can make the world more beautiful.

The photo exhibition "Chisinau people of the 20th century" can be seen between July 17 - 31, 2023, on the fence of the National Museum of History of Moldova, Chisinau, 31 August 1989 street, 121A.

#Exhibit of the Month

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

"Chisinau people of the 20th century"

17 – 31 July 2023

#Exhibit of the Month