#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 compartment „Bessarabia in the first half of the 20th century”

(Permanent Exhibition “History and Civilization”)

This department of the exhibition is dedicated to the contemporary period of history and begins with a series of objects reflecting socio-cultural movements of the early 20th century, events of the World War I and the national movement in 1917, which culminated in the creation of the first Bessarabian parliament - the Country Council (Sfatul Tarii) and the unification of Bessarabia with Romania.

The compartment „Bessarabia in the first half of the 20th century”

The main events and persons who led first to the proclamation of independence from Russia on 24 January 1918 and then to unification with Romania on 27 March 1918 are presented in the museum exhibition: photos of Paul Gore, Alexei Mateevici, Nicolai Alexandri - the leaders of national movement in Bessarabia, photo images taken at the demonstrations in Chisinau and Balti in 1917 and a photo of the building where on 21 November of the same year the Country Council began its meetings. All these documents are of particular emotional resonance. The spirit of time is conveyed through the reconstruction of the editorial office of newspaper "Cuvant moldovenesc", an important organ of the national movement in Bessarabia.

The process of integration of the territory between the Prut and Dniester in political, economic, and cultural life of the unified Romania entailed important socio-economic transformations, but especially a large flourishing of culture and education. This is evidenced by the museum collections of photos, documents, books, medals and works of art. Among the most prestigious educational institutions of the time in the exhibition there are presented the "B.P. Hasdeu" Boys' Secondary School, the "Queen Maria" Girls' Secondary School, the "King Ferdinand" Military School, and of course the famous School of Fine Arts led by sculptor Alexander Plamadeala.

Many photos and playbills talk about the prodigious activity of the National Theatre in Bessarabia and highlight some prominent figures of political and cultural life of the interwar period, such as writer and politician Constantin Stere, composer Alexandru Cristea, director of the "Unirea" Conservatory Anastasia Dicescu, internationally renowned soprano Maria Cebotari, singer of opera houses from Vienna, Dresden and Berlin, opera singers Lidia Lipcovschi and Lidia Babici.