#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 Way of Coffee”

March 17 – April 30, 2012

(From the private collection of Alexandru Stucalov)

The exhibition brings together objects related to coffee, which were collected by Alexander Stucalov from 1964. It is complemented by some pieces from the collection of the National Museum of Archaeology and History of Moldova.

The exhibition is a journey into the history of coffee, showing not only how they prepare it in different countries, but also the evolution of coffee machines, from ordinary coffee-pots to the present-day coffee makers and espresso-machines.

The history of coffee is reflected by about 480 items of ware, equipment and utensils for preparing and serving this magical liquor: Arabian and Turkish cups, cups produced in Europe, roasters, coffee grinders, coffee pots, coffee makers of different types, espresso-machines, coffee packages, etc. The oldest exhibits date from the late nineteenth century (a coffee pot and a coffee machine with filter), and the latest ones from 2011.

To create an atmosphere of a coffee house and combine everything related to coffee consumption, there were reconstructed two public places: oriental one (Turkish), the main elements of which are coffee on sand and a hookah or a pipe, and European one, where over a cup of coffee people read newspapers and play various games.

The subject of exhibition is backed up by artworks by Aurelia Nașcu, Ana Pronin, Elvira Cemortan-Voloșin, Dorina Casapu, Iurie Palcov, Maxim Egorov, Dumitru Balica, Nata Procop, Victoria Cozmolici, Eduard Maidenberg, and Olga Rusanovskaya, as well as by artistic photos made by the learners of Roman Rybalyov's school.

The exhibition can be visited until April 30, 2012.