#Exhibit of the Month

The artifact is a battle axe made from magmatic rock (diabase) of gray-brown color. It was accidentally discovered in 1966 within the territory of Aluniș village, Rîșcani district. Based on its morphological characteristics, the artifact can be attributed to the Catacomb culture (29th-22nd centuries BCE).

The axe features a massive, elongated naviform body with slightly pronounced shoulders, a short and narrow edge that is flat and circular in cross-section. The blade is slightly curved. The hole was drilled in the maximum width of the object. It is circular in shape with a diameter of 2.2 cm. The surface of the artifact is meticulously polished, worked with great care, and shows no signs of damage or chipping.

Dimensions: Length: 20.0 cm; Maximum width: 8.4 cm; Edge diameter: 5.0 cm; Blade width: 7.0 cm; Weight: 2.3 kg.

Stone battle axes are characteristic of the Catacomb culture communities and are most often found as grave goods, deposited in tombs. Their presence in funerary complexes suggests a multifaceted functionality: weapons, social symbols, and ritual objects. Initially used as weapons, the axes became social symbols for their owners, later acquiring votive significance when deposited in tombs to serve the deceased in the afterlife.

The social symbolic function of stone battle axes is indicated by the high-quality rocks used for their manufacture and the exceptionally meticulous craftsmanship. The large dimensions of the axe from Aluniș support this hypothesis and distinguish it from other examples.

The discovery of stone battle axes outside a funerary complex may indicate their votive deposition. It is difficult to imagine that these exceptionally well-crafted pieces, made from high-quality rocks transported over great distances, could have been abandoned or lost accidentally. It is far more likely that they were deposited for magical-religious purposes, a possibility that may also apply to the stone axe discovered at Aluniș.

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Exhibitions

"The History of a Painting"

October 22 - November 8, 2024

On October 22, 2024, at 3:00 PM, the National Museum of History of Moldova (MNIM) will host the opening of the solo exhibition "The History of a Painting" by renowned artist Ghenadie Jalbă. The event is organized in commemoration of the 520th anniversary of the passing of the great ruler Stephen the Great and Holy.

This exhibition offers a deep insight into the artist's creative process, featuring his central work, "Stephen the Great at Lipnic," alongside a series of sketches, preparatory drawings, and other graphic and painting works that illustrate the initial stages of creation. Visitors will have the chance to discover how a simple idea transforms into a masterpiece through a complex artistic process involving numerous adjustments and reconfigurations.

Within the exhibition, the public will be able to admire not only the final painting but also auxiliary works, such as portraits and compositions inspired by the same historical theme. These provide a broader perspective on Ghenadie Jalbă's artistic vision, reflecting his sensitivity to the history of Moldova and its emblematic figures.

Ghenadie Jalbă, a member of the Union of Plastic Artists of the Republic of Moldova, was born in 1950 and has an impressive career spanning over four decades in painting and graphics. His artistic education includes studies at the Painting School in Chișinău and the Institute of Fine Arts in Leningrad. Since 1987, Jalbă has been a member of the Union of Plastic Artists, distinguished for works that explore historical and cultural themes, showcased in numerous national and international exhibitions. Throughout his career, he has received prestigious awards, including the Order of "Civic Merit," and has participated in international artistic symposiums, solidifying his reputation in the art world.

Through this exhibition, the artist aims to pay tribute to Stephen the Great, a central figure in Moldovan history and identity, and to share with the public a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes of his creation process.

The public is invited to this opening to interact with the exhibited works and explore the artistic universe of Ghenadie Jalbă.

The exhibition will remain open until November 8, 2024, providing all interested individuals the opportunity to discover and admire the mastery of this exceptional artist.

#Exhibit of the Month

Stone Battle Axe Discovered at Aluniș, Rîșcani District

"The History of a Painting"

October 22 - November 8, 2024

#Exhibit of the Month