#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

"Righteous of the World from Moldova, Germany, USA and Japan"

January 25-31, 2021

Annually on January 27, International Holocaust Remembrance Day is celebrated. This date is a reminder of the tragic events in the history of the Jewish people, as well as a tribute of respect and memory to the Righteous Among the Nations.

This year marks the 76th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. Jewish Cultural Center KEDEM traditionally organizes commemorative events to convey to future generations the truth about the Holocaust and protect humanity from the horrors of xenophobia, racism and extremism.

In connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, Holocaust Remembrance Day in 2021 will be held ONLINE. JCC KEDEM will hold a live broadcast and present the information exhibition "Righteous of the World of Moldova, Germany, USA and Japan", prepared within the project "Inmortal Deeds - Eternal memory" with the support of the Swiss Cooperation Office in Moldova and organized at the National Museum of History of Moldova.

The exhibition will tell the story of people who risked their lives to save Jews during the Nazi occupation of Europe. They are called the Righteous Among the Nations. This honorary title was awarded to a person for saving even one Jew from execution or deportation to death camps. In total, more than 26 thousand people from 51 countries have been awarded this title.

The JCC KEDEM will present the stories of more than 26 righteous people of the world who managed to save hundreds, thousands of Jews from death. These are the stories of soldiers who violated the direct orders of their commanders; poor peasants who hid their Jewish neighbors in basements and wells; priests who helped Jewish refugees cross borders and hide from their persecutors; whole families who took up Jewish children left without parents.

Materials for the exhibition were provided by the Yad Vashem National Memorial (Israel).

The live broadcast and online opening of the exhibition will take place on January 26 at 17:00 on social networks and on the official website of the JCC KEDEM. The event will be addressed by the President of the Republic of Moldova, Ms. Maia Sandu, Director of the Swiss Cooperation Office, as well as the ambassadors of Germany, the USA and Japan.

The exhibition "Righteous of the World from Moldova, Germany, USA and Japan" will also be available to the general public. From January 25 to January 31, everyone will be able to get acquainted with the stories of the heroes in the National Museum of History of Moldova.

infoline: office@kedem.md