#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

„Show Me Your Pain Vol. III”

October 21 - November 8, 2024

The National Museum of History of Moldova, in partnership with the Society for the Study and Management of Pain in Moldova, is excited to announce the event "Show Me Your Pain Vol. III" on October 21, 2024, at 1:00 PM in the museum's ground floor hall.

The Event "Show Me Your Pain Vol. III" innovatively combines art and medical science to raise awareness about the importance of communication in healthcare, particularly in pain management. This event marks the third edition of the "Show Me Your Pain" series, which debuted at a medical seminar in March 2024 in Salzburg, Austria, attracting an international audience of healthcare practitioners and communication specialists.

This exhibition will expand on the original concept by integrating new elements based on feedback and outcomes from the Salzburg event, organized in collaboration with Art Forum Salzburg. The showcased artworks will include paintings that reflect the subjective pain experiences of volunteers, accompanied by data collected through a standardized questionnaire. Sensory descriptors such as smell, taste, touch, and sound will be used to provide a nuanced description of the pain felt, offering visitors an immersive experience. Attendees will have the opportunity to view the paintings, taste what volunteers have associated with pain, smell corresponding aromas, and listen to sounds related to the pain experiences of the volunteers.

Additionally, "Show Me Your Pain Vol. III" in Moldova will feature interactive sessions where visitors can engage directly with the artists and participants who contributed to the displayed creations. These sessions will encourage the exchange of experiences and reflections on how we perceive and express pain, both individually and collectively. Experts in pain management, psychologists, and communication specialists will also lead discussions on topics such as the influence of cultural and social factors on pain perception, gender differences in the manifestation and treatment of pain, and the importance of personalized treatment to improve patients' quality of life.

The event aims to create a space for learning and exploration, where science and art converge to provide a deeper understanding of pain and its impact on daily life. The public is invited to participate actively, share their own perspectives, and contribute to an open and honest conversation about this often-overlooked health issue.

Through this unique combination of art, technology, and science, we hope to open new avenues of communication and understanding for both medical professionals and the general public, providing an innovative and inclusive framework in which pain experiences are transformed into art.

The exhibition will be open for viewing until November 8, 2024