#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

“Mommy, I don't want war!!!”

September 30 – October 31, 2022

In September 1939, World War II broke out. 83 years later, we say NO to war again! On the 30^{th of}September, at 12:00, in front of the National Museum of History of Moldova in Chisinau, the emotional Polish-Ukrainian exhibition "Mom, I don't want war!!!" will be opened.

Together with the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Chisinau and the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Moldova, we will open an exhibition that shows us the war seen through the eyes of children. We want to continue to support Ukraine and its citizens. This is how our countries express their support for Ukraine in these difficult days of the war.

The exhibition features historical drawings by Polish children from 1946, which record their experience during World War II and the German occupation of 1939-1945, as well as contemporary drawings by Ukrainian children about the ongoing war in Ukraine. The drawings can be found also on the Mom I see war portal.

The similarity between the historical drawings and those of today is striking. Children draw tanks, airplanes from which bombs are dropped, fires and explosions. They draw wounded and dead, ruined houses, graves. They draw themselves and their families, evacuation and escape. They also draw their hopes and dreams for the future.

The multitude of emotions transposed in the drawings: from fear and despair to hope and faith in victory, confirms one thing - children should not suffer because of the war, they deserve to be happy and loved.

The project "Mom I see war" was launched to show the war through the eyes of children in Ukraine and to draw the attention of the world community to the brutal invasion of Russia.

"This project brought together over 10,000 children's drawings about war and peace in Ukraine, created to capture what children experience during wartime and show the world how strong Little Ukrainians are."

Opening: September 30, 12.00, in front of the National Museum of History of Moldova.

Project supervision: Dr. Dorota Sadowska (University of Warsaw), Prof. Olga Kulinich (National "Taras Shevchenko" University in Kyiv), Mariusz Olczak (director of the Archives of Modern Documents)

#Exhibit of the Month

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

“Mommy, I don't want war!!!”

September 30 – October 31, 2022

#Exhibit of the Month