#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

"Historical Monuments in Pictures"

November 21, 2012 - December 5, 2012

National Museum of Archaeology and History of Moldova invites the public to visit the temporary exhibition entitled "Historical Monuments in Pictures". The main museum pieces presented in the exhibition are illustrated postcards "accompanied" by a mini-collection of clocks, symbolizing the time, which erases... but also preserves. The aim of the exhibition is to present deltiological images to the visitors and to attract public interest both to the diversity of the historical heritage of the Republic of Moldova and its vulnerability that requires joint efforts to protect and conserve. The exhibition calls for respect for the history and reminds of the danger for some of the monuments, despite their beauty and value.

The exhibition was conceived by the Department of Modern History and includes over 300 objects of deltiology, wall and floor clocks, and postcard albums, in the framework of time from the late 19th century until 2011. The history is reflected in the architecture of churches, monasteries, different social and administrative buildings, etc. The exhibition is divided into two sections:

1. Postcards' Memory: includes vintage postcards with pictures of historical monuments of Bessarabia, including Chisinau, between the late 19th century and 1940s. By means of the postcards visitors will "travel" back in time, admiring the city's central boulevard, architecture of administrative buildings, educational and cultural institutions, places of rest, etc.

2. Historical Monuments Today: presents picture postcards, which reflect a segment of history of the Republic of Moldova since the late 1980s till present. Along with images of old monuments preserved until today, there are exposed images of buildings, which are symbols of the Republic of Moldova: the Presidential Residence, Parliament, Government House, City Hall, etc. A special place occupy picture postcards with art and cultural institutions, monuments and statues, churches and monasteries, museums of natural history in the area between the Prut and Dniester.