#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

I LOVE SUSHI

Japan Foundation Traveling Exhibition

July 14 – August 15, 2023

Established in 1972, the Japan Foundation creates global opportunities to foster friendship and ties between Japan and the rest of the world through culture, language and dialogue. The foundation runs programs in arts and cultural exchange, Japanese language education abroad, Japanese studies, and intellectual exchange. We are pleased to present the new cultural exchange program and traveling exhibition "I Love Sushi" with the theme of sushi - the emblem of Japanese cuisine in the world.

In 2013, washoku (Japanese cuisine) was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, its symbol being sushi. Refined and healthy, pleasing to the eye and taste, sushi is a dish found today on menus all over the world. Originally from Southeast Asia and Southern China, sushi arrived in Japan more than a thousand years ago. From then until today it has gone through radical changes taking advantage of the abundance of natural resources in and around the Japanese islands, the application of new knowledge in the field and the continued desire of the Japanese to prepare tasty food. At the present time, the most famous variety of sushi is undoubtedly nigiri-zushi, which appeared about two hundred years ago in Edo (today's Tokyo).

Sushi is currently a widely spread and appreciated dish outside of Japan. But despite its popularity, there are few who know all its qualities. This exhibition aims to provide an in-depth visual guide to sushi, from its origins and how it arrived in Japan, the changes it underwent over time in the process of adapting to the natural environment, culture and lifestyle of each region in part, to the celebrity it knows today and its great potential as a food of the future seen from the perspective of the food problems facing the contemporary world. The exhibition also includes a simulation of a visit to a specific Japanese restaurant. Those who know a thing or two about sushi will be delighted by the exhibit, and die-hard fans will find it fascinating. At the same time we hope that sushi will become a means of popularizing Japanese history and customs.

Finally, we would like to thank Mr. Hibino Terutoshi, who coordinated the preparations for the exhibition, as well as all the individuals and organizations whose tireless efforts ensured its success.

The "I Love Sushi" exhibition will be open to the general public from July 14 to August 15, 2023, in Hall 1, ground floor, of the National Museum of History of Moldova, str. 31 August 1989, 121A.