#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

„Memory Captured in Postcards”

April 6 - May 20, 2013

In the upstairs hall of the National Museum of History of Moldova there was open a temporary exhibition Memory Captured in Postcards dedicated to the International Day for Monuments and Sites that is celebrating annually on 18 April.

The exhibition was organized by the Modern History Department and aims to acquaint visitors with the diversity of national heritage and to awaken their interest to the monuments and respect for history. The exhibition warns of the danger in which there are some monuments and calls for their protection and conservation.

The core of the exhibition is illustrated postcards from the collections of the museum; it consists of 275 images covering the period from the late 19^th century to 2011.

The exhibition structure is divided into two compartments:

The first includes postcards illustrating the historical monuments of Bessarabia, including those of Chisinau, in the period from the late 19^th century to 1940s. By means of the postcards visitors will "travel" through time, admiring the central avenue of the city and architecture of buildings and recreational facilities.

The second compartment includes postcards with the images of monuments today. There are presented pictures that reflect the history of the Republic of Moldova from 1980s to the present. Along with images of old monuments preserved to this day, there are given images of buildings, which are the symbols of the Republic of Moldova: the Presidency, Parliament, Government House, City Hall, etc. A special place there is occupied by picture postcards with the buildings of institutions of culture and art, monuments and statues, churches and monasteries, museums of natural history in the area between the Prut and Dniester.

The postcards are accompanied by a mini-collection of wall and floor clocks that symbolize the time that erases..., but also retains.

#Exhibit of the Month

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

„Memory Captured in Postcards”

April 6 - May 20, 2013

#Exhibit of the Month