#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 Tamer of Steel, in Chisinau

November 29, 2023 - Janaury 7, 2024

Daniel Rădulescu, Romanian contemporary artist, known for his special technique of steel sculpture, the most collected artist working in steel in Romania, presents his creations in Chisinau on the occasion of Romania's National Day. The public can admire for a month 8 of his iconic works, made entirely of steel.

Daniel Rădulescu (b. 1990, Brașov) makes his sculptures by hand modeling, with thousands of layers of molten steel, without using molds or forms. This feature makes his sculptures unique, impossible to replicate. Daniel Rădulescu is one of the best-known artists in Romania, his metal sculptures are sought after by collectors from all over the world. The prices of his works increased in 2022 by 1,600% compared to his first works sold.

He studied the sphere of digital and 3D graphics, until he became captivated by any tangible material, from stone, wood and plaster, to the hardness and at the same time fluidity of metal. He explored many possible steel processing technologies until it took shape under his hands. The texture resulting from his impressive working technique has become an emblem of the artist. Daniel Rădulescu has made 97 sculptures to date, all of which are in private collections in 10 countries on 3 continents.

"I want to instill empathy and make visitors look beyond a hard material like steel. Two of these works are inspired by Greek mythology, Bacchus and Daedalus. Each has its own story, but both are made in different chapters of their personal lives. Together, I feel that the 8 sculptures represent me and reconstruct a route of my life; they will communicate well in a common space," says the artist Daniel Rădulescu.

The exhibition takes place at the National Museum of History of Moldova in Chisinau, Bronze Hall, from November 29 to December 20, 2023, and the opening takes place on November 29, at 16:00.

The project is financed by the Department for Relations with the Republic of Moldova within the Government of Romania.