#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

„Fotciencia”

December 15, 2023 – January 30, 2024

Between December 15, 2023 and January 30, 2024, the National Museum of History of Moldova will host the photographic exhibition "Fotciencia".

The photos are part of the nineteenth edition of the FOTCIENCIA competition, an initiative of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT), with the support of the Jesús Serra Foundation and the Catalana Occidente Group, which allows us to observe science and technology from different points of view.

This exhibition is divided into two large blocks (General and Micro) and consists of 25 photographs, selected from the 584 that were presented in the edition.

The ensemble, a successful photographic sample, highlights the fruitful relationship between science and art in all fields of knowledge. With the aim of bringing to the fore the enormous legacy of Nobel laureate Santiago Ramón y Cajal, FOTCIENCIA19 joined the commemoration of the Year of Cajal with a special section dedicated to neuroscience.

The texts accompanying each image, available via the QR codes on each of the images, were written by the authors of the photographs, who also chose one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals accompanying the proposal.

The 17 SDGs of the 2030 Agenda are:

1. No poverty.
2. Zero hunger
3. Health and well-being
4. Quality education
5. Gender equality
6. Clean water and sanitation
7. Clean energy at affordable prices
8. Decent work and economic growth
9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure
10. Reduced inequalities
11. Sustainable cities and communities
12. Responsible consumption and production
13. Climate action
14. Aquatic life
15. Terrestrial life
16. Peace, justice and efficient institutions
17. Partnerships for the achievement of objectives

The opening of the exhibition will take place on Friday, December 15, starting at 11:00 in the hall on the ground floor of the National Museum of History of Moldova, as part of the closing event of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which will be attended by the Prime Minister of of the Republic of Moldova, the diplomatic corps accredited in the Republic of Moldova as well as civil society personalities.

#Exhibit of the Month

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

„Fotciencia”

December 15, 2023 – January 30, 2024

#Exhibit of the Month