#Exhibit of the Month

The artifact is a battle axe made from magmatic rock (diabase) of gray-brown color. It was accidentally discovered in 1966 within the territory of Aluniș village, Rîșcani district. Based on its morphological characteristics, the artifact can be attributed to the Catacomb culture (29th-22nd centuries BCE).

The axe features a massive, elongated naviform body with slightly pronounced shoulders, a short and narrow edge that is flat and circular in cross-section. The blade is slightly curved. The hole was drilled in the maximum width of the object. It is circular in shape with a diameter of 2.2 cm. The surface of the artifact is meticulously polished, worked with great care, and shows no signs of damage or chipping.

Dimensions: Length: 20.0 cm; Maximum width: 8.4 cm; Edge diameter: 5.0 cm; Blade width: 7.0 cm; Weight: 2.3 kg.

Stone battle axes are characteristic of the Catacomb culture communities and are most often found as grave goods, deposited in tombs. Their presence in funerary complexes suggests a multifaceted functionality: weapons, social symbols, and ritual objects. Initially used as weapons, the axes became social symbols for their owners, later acquiring votive significance when deposited in tombs to serve the deceased in the afterlife.

The social symbolic function of stone battle axes is indicated by the high-quality rocks used for their manufacture and the exceptionally meticulous craftsmanship. The large dimensions of the axe from Aluniș support this hypothesis and distinguish it from other examples.

The discovery of stone battle axes outside a funerary complex may indicate their votive deposition. It is difficult to imagine that these exceptionally well-crafted pieces, made from high-quality rocks transported over great distances, could have been abandoned or lost accidentally. It is far more likely that they were deposited for magical-religious purposes, a possibility that may also apply to the stone axe discovered at Aluniș.

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Exhibitions

"Postcards from Ukraine"

24 February – 15 March 2024

The exhibition "Postcards from Ukraine" is organized by the Public Association "Progressive community", in collaboration with the National Museum of History of Moldova and with the support of the National Library of the Republic of Moldova, dedicated to the commemoration of two years since the start of Russia's aggressive war against the sovereign state Ukraine.

The exhibition includes 22 panels - postcards, each telling the history of an architectural monument located in different regions of Ukraine, before and after its destruction or damage. The works are part of the international exhibition "Symbol of Victory of Ukraine", a project that documents and presents the destruction caused by missile attacks and bombings on Ukrainian cultural heritage. Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, multiple historical, architectural and archaeological monuments of Ukraine are attacked and destroyed daily. Russian military forces cynically and ruthlessly target museums, monuments, universities, cinemas, launch missiles at churches, cathedrals, television towers and other edifices. The Russian army not only devastates Ukrainian cities and villages, but also systematically destroys Ukrainian cultural heritage.

Only together we become stronger and can support Ukraine in the struggle for peace and preservation of cultural heritage. We note that we cooperate with the voluntary organization OC FC "Vilni Kryla", an organization that provides humanitarian aid in hot areas. Together with "Vilni Kryla", a fundraising campaign was organized to support Ukrainian heroes. In this regard, we appeal to each of you to join the fundraising campaign by scanning the QR code. Everyone's contribution is very valuable to those who fight for the defense of Ukraine, for peace and stability.

By visiting this exhibition you have the opportunity to delve into the history and significance of these novel and unique monuments, as well as to feel the tragedy brought by the war.

The exhibition will be displayed in the upstairs hall of the National Museum of History of Moldova, from February 24 to March 15, 2024.