#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

„Moldova’s heraldic identities”

November 3rd, 2015 – January 18th, 2016

On November 3rd, 2015 in the exhibition space from the ground floor of the museum was opened the exhibition "Moldova's heraldic identities". The event is occasioned by the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the State Flag and State Coat of Arms of the Republic of Moldova and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the National Commission of Heraldry under the Presidency of the Republic of Moldova.

In the exhibition are displayed pieces representative for heraldry (coat of arms and flags), phaleristics (orders, medals and badges), uniforms (uniforms and distinctive signs) which reflect the evolution of the Republic of Moldova in these areas and the achievements of the National Commission of Heraldry during two decades of activity. In the centre of the exhibition are displayed exhibits related to national symbols: State Flag and Coat of Arms, Flag and the Collar of the President of the Republic of Moldova, Flag of the Ministry of Defence, State Awards. These exhibits are surrounded by objects that contain territorial markings, corporate and private: crosses, medals, badges, uniforms, drawings, flags, publications, documents, postal issues, dishes etc.

Special attention is given for the first time to reflecting the heraldic art development in Moldova. Visitors can get acquainted with heraldic, phareristic and uniform creations signed by renowned, and young, authors and painters: Simion Odainic, Gheorghe Vrabie, Constantin Jarocinski, Alexei Colîbneac, Mariana Șlapac, Constantin Bogatov, Valeriu Balan, Simion Zamșa, Iurie Caminschi, Vladimir Popov, Vladimir Mischevca, Silviu Andrieș-Tabac, Sergius Ciocanu, Tudor-Radu Tiron, Mihai Malașevschi, Daniel Racoviță et. al.

The exhibition aims to stir interest of visitors of all ages, Moldovan citizens or foreigners, authorities of all levels responsible for adopting and promoting public symbols, students of History and Art University Departments, and all those interested in heraldry and related fields.