#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

"Ion Ungureanu, a destiny lit by the Evening Star"

August 1 - September 15, 2015

The National Museum of History of Moldova invites you to visit the exhibition "Ion Ungureanu, a destiny lit by the Evening Star", dedicated to the illustrious scholar, former Minister of Culture of the Republic of Moldova, artist of the people, laureate of the National Prize, Knight of the Order of the Republic.

Ion Ungureanu's name is associated first of all with the golden era of the Republican Theater "Luceafărul" (The Evening Star), with the Bridge of Flowers, restoration and relocation to the original place of the monument of Ştefan cel Mare și Sfânt, with bringing to Chișinău of the Capitoline Wolf with Remus and Romulus, with opening of new theaters and libraries, reopening of dozens of churches, with dozens of roles in theater and cinema, with setting on stage of tenths of performances from national and world dramaturgy.

Theseus, Malvolio, Dr. Dorn, fon Walter, Păsările tinereții noastre, Sfânta Sfintelor and Biserica Albă by I. Druță, Minodora by A. Strâmbeanu, Steaua fără nume by M. Sebastian, Radu Ştefan, întâiul și ultimul by A. Busuioc - are only a few roles and performances that consecrated him as actor and exceptional director.

Although he has been victorious in many theaters, only one of them was and remains Ion Ungureanu's theater of the soul - „Luceafărul" (The Evening Star).

The exhibition "Ion Ungureanu, a destiny lit by the Evening Star" has on display over 250 photos, documents, theater posters, programs, awards, trophies, books that reflect important aspects from the life and creation of the renowned actor, director and man of the City.

The exhibition is dedicated to the celebration of Ion Ungureanu's 80th birthday anniversary and is a tribute to this unusual personality in our national culture and history, a gesture of profound gratitude and respect for undeniable merits in the development of national culture, promoting national and universal values.