#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

"POLSKA"

April 23 – May 17, 2024

POLSKA - People, Origins, Places, Solidarity, Knowledge and, of course, Architecture. The latest exhibition made by the Polish Institute in Bucharest in the Romanian version helps you get to know our country in brief. We chose Chisinau to present it for the first time. The exhibition will be on the fence of the National Museum of History of Moldova from April 23 to May 17, 2024.

The exhibition is divided into six thematic blocks. Each of them tells interesting stories about people, history, landscapes, science, architecture and solidarity. The last word is particularly emphasized because here we also have Solidarity - written with a capital letter. For many Poles, solidarity is fundamental, and Solidarity is one of the most important reasons for their pride. Such reasons for pride will turn out to be even more!

From the exhibition you will be able to find out, among other things: What is the name of the person who discovered that the Earth revolves around the Sun?; Who was the only woman to win two Nobel Prizes?; Who became the "father of world electronics" after inventing the method of growing single crystals?; What is the name of the inventor who laid the foundations of the world oil industry?; Who was the first woman to climb K2, the most dangerous mountain on the planet?; Who was the first woman to reach the top of K2, the most dangerous mountain in the world?; What are some of the most important dates in Polish history and what happened then?; What kind of landscapes does Poland have?

The answers to all these questions can be found in our exhibition. Moreover, you will learn many less obvious things about the achievements of Polish science, about the achievements of Polish researchers or the diversity of Polish architecture. Poland is a country of contrasts, and everyone will definitely find something to their liking. It only takes a little curiosity to embark on a journey without moving too far!

The exhibition "POLSKA" can be seen between April 23 - May 17, 2024, on the fence of the National Museum of History of Moldova, Chisinau, 31 August 1989 street, 121A.

#Exhibit of the Month

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

"POLSKA"

April 23 – May 17, 2024

#Exhibit of the Month