#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.

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Exhibitions

„The Ambassador of Transdniestrian Molovata”

April 28th - June 27th, 2016

On April 28, 2016, at the National Museum of History of Moldova was opened the exhibition „The Ambassador of Transdniestrian Molovata" celebrating 80 years from the birth of Anatol Codru.

Anatol Codru, a poet known across all Europe, has marked the history of our national culture with his great and genuine personality, a bivalent man of art who served faithfully during his entire life two art fields embraced with an inexplicable love - poetry and cinematography.

He became famous for his memorable poetry volumes and documentary films dedicated to our ancestors and various personalities that are pat of the spiritual and artistic heritage of the nation: Dimitrie Cantemir, Mihai Eminescu, Ion Creangă, Vasile Alecsandri, Alexandru Plămădeală, Nicolai Costenco etc.

After the first volume of poetry „Nopți albe" (White Nights), edited in 1962, and the first documentary film „Trânta" (The fight), made in 1968, followed other 30 films and several books of poetry which are unique in the landscape of modern national and international lyrics of the twentieth century.

For his remarkable achievements in the art of writing and filmmaking, Anatol Codru has been awarded numerous national and international awards, state awards, including the State Prize of the MSSR, the medal Mihai Eminescu and Order of the Republic.

Anatol Codru was the president of the Union of the Cinematographers of Moldova, honorary member of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova and of the International Film Academy „Nika" from Russia.

The exhibition "The Ambassador of Transdiestrian Molovata" brings together about 250 photographs, documents, books of poems, awards, antiques, etc. objects that show the most significant events and aspects form the activity of this distinguished personality of national history and culture. Also, the exhibition is a first attempt to valorise through museum exhibition the great cultural heritage of the poet and film director Anatol Codru.

The opening ceremony was attended by distinguished men of culture, friends and colleagues of the late Anatol Codru.

Several guests spoke about Anatol Codru's personality and great contribution to the development of national culture and the promotion of national and universal values: Gheorghe Postică, deputy minister of culture; Eugen Doga and Nicolae Dabija, academicians; Arcadie Suceveanu, president of the Union of Writes of Moldova; Sandu Vasilache, director of the film studio „Moldova-Film"; Dumitru Olărescu, writer; Boris Movilă, publicist etc.

The exhibition opening ceremony culminated with the presentation of some fragments from the most popular documentary films created by Anatol Codru.