#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

„Puzzle-Germany”

October 6 – 27, 2015

Germany was divided for over 40 years until reunification on October 3rd, 1990. On October 3rd, 2015 is marked the 25th anniversary from this historic moment highly important for the contemporary history of the Federal Republic of Germany and for European history. October 3rd is the day Germany has become one country on the map of Europe.

Exhibition „Puzzle-Germany” by the Embassy of Germany in Chișinău

German Embassy in Chișinău celebrated the anniversary with a symbolic event - the presentation of a puzzle map with the shape of Germany on the ground floor hall of the National Museum of History of Moldova. At the opening of the event, the Ambassador of Germany in Chișinău, H.E. Ulrike Knotz expressed her gratitude to all the people who approached creatively the topic of Germany's unity and freedom. "We invited young people from Moldova and other countries to present their vision of German reunification under the shape of a puzzle whose elements were painted and later were assembled within the embassy. I believe the result is a successful and inspiring one", concluded the Ambassador.

„Map of Germany" puzzle consists of 28 pieces made by project partners from Republic of Moldova, including Art School „Mihai Dolgan" from Sângerei, Art School „Nicolae Sulac" from Florești, Art School „Maria Cibotari" from Cahul, Plastic Arts School from Bălți, Plastic Arts School from Rezina, Theoretical Lyceum „Mihail Sadoveanu" from Giurgiulești, Theoretical Lyceum „Mihail Kogălniceanu" from Chișinău, Academy of Music, Theater and Plastic Arts, Municipal Library „B.P. Hasdeu" from Chișinău, Kindergarten „Ghiocel" from Vadul lui Vodă, National College of Commerce of ASEM, Charity Association „Filantropia creștină" from Orhei, DAAD Professorship etc. The puzzle pieces were made in different techniques - painting, drawing, modeling, collage, origami, crochet etc.

Puzzle „Map of Germany" means German unity which is a historic community performance and a joint effort of befriended nations. On the other hand, the participation of partners from Moldova to making this puzzle demonstrates strengthening of good relation between Moldova and Germany.

This even is part of action „Together for unity" which involves 34 German diplomatic missions around the world and which highlights the historical moment that happened 25 years ago.

#Exhibit of the Month

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

„Puzzle-Germany”

October 6 – 27, 2015

#Exhibit of the Month