#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.

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Exhibitions

“Lithuanian Tatars in Archive Documents”

October 1-31, 2021

In commemoration of the 700th anniversary of the history and culture of the Tatars in Lithuania, 2021 was declared the Year of Lithuanian Tatar History and Culture. On this occasion, the exhibition "Lithuanian Tatars in Archival Documents" organized by the State Historical Archives of Lithuania invites you to take a look at the past to get acquainted with the development of the multinational Lithuanian culture.

The exhibition presents documents reflecting the history of the Lithuanian Tatars from the second half of the 16th century to the present day. Lithuanian Tatars are a unique ethnos that settled in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania more than 600 years ago, in the 14th-15th centuries. The vast majority of them moved to Lithuania during the time of Vytautas the Great. Immigration to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was favored by the excellent conditions that were offered to the Tatars: complete freedom of religion and customs was ensured, the construction of mosques was allowed, and the rights of noble Tatars were equated with those of the Lithuanian nobility.

Lithuanian Tatars were famous as excellent warriors. They fought in the Žalgiris (Grunwald) battle under the Lithuanian flags, and later in the front line regiments of the army of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Republic of the Two Nations until its dismemberment.

The archives contain many documents related to the history and culture of the Lithuanian Tatars, therefore the exhibition is divided into two parts. The documents presented in the first part reflect the history of the Lithuanian Tatars: these are the privileges and letters of the Lithuanian and Polish rulers to the Tatars, documents regarding their service in the army of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Tsarist Russia, files confirming the Tatar nobility, with their family trees and coats of arms, Tatar private property documents, and so on. The Special Archives of Lithuania contains documents related to the Tatars exiled by the Soviet occupation authorities in 1950s.

The second part of the exhibition presents documents related to Lithuanian Tatar mosques and registers drawn up in the places of worship.

The Tatars are a small ethnic group that currently makes up only 0.1% of the population of Lithuania, and although they lost their language in the 16th and 17th centuries, they managed to preserve their customs, religion and culture.

The documents presented testify that the Lithuanian Tatars contributed significantly to the restoration of Lithuanian statehood, history and culture, that this community has closely linked its life with Lithuania and is an integral part of its history.

Organizers of the exhibition in Moldova: Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania to the Republic of Moldova in partnership with the National Museum of History of Moldova and the Institute of History, Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova. The opening of the exhibition will take place on Thursday, September 30, 2021, at 15:00, in the upstairs hall.

#Exhibit of the Month

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

“Lithuanian Tatars in Archive Documents”

October 1-31, 2021

#Exhibit of the Month