#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

"The Bessarabian Bulgarians and the Liberation of Bulgaria"

The House of Culture in Taraclia

March 4 – May 4, 2023

The photo-documentary exhibition "Bessarabian Bulgarians and the Liberation of Bulgaria", dedicated to the 145th anniversary of the liberation of Bulgaria from the domination of the Ottoman Empire, is made through the joint efforts of the National Museum of History of Moldova, the Taraclia District Council and the Scientific Society of Bulgarians from Republic of Moldova.

The exhibition is composed of 12 banners, which reflect the struggle of the Bulgarian people for national liberation. The images and documents present the main stages of the formation in Chisinau of the Bulgarian volunteer detachments. The number of Bessarabian Bulgarians (identified by their names), who entered these detachments, reaches the figure of 210 people. The participation of the Bessarabian Bulgarians as volunteers in the Liberation War of 1877-1878 is the result of preserving the Bulgarian national consciousness and the desire for Bulgaria, their ancestral homeland, to be free and independent.

The images capture the Bulgarian volunteers from Bessarabia in the fighting in the vicinity of Gabrovo, near Stara Zagora, Seinovo, Shipka and other Bulgarian settlements. A special place is dedicated to Major Olimpi Panov, originally from Taraclia. Being part of the first detachment of volunteers, he participated in the liberation of the town of Stara Zagora. He showed heroism in the battles of Šipka, Zeleno Dărvo, Şeinovo and Kotlenskia Balkan and was awarded the Military Order of the IV degree - a higher distinction, awarded exclusively for acts of heroism.

The images also show places of memory (monuments, commemorative plaques, obelisks, etc.), erected in honor of the Bessarabian Bulgarians, who contributed to the national liberation of their historical homeland - Bulgaria.

The exhibition "Bessarabian Bulgarians and the Liberation of Bulgaria" can be visited from March 4 to May 4, 2023, in the premises of the House of Culture in Taraclia, Karl Marx str.