#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

„Valeriu Gagiu. The man and his work”

March 18 - May 5, 2014

The exhibition „Valeriu Gagiu. The man and his work" is part of a new cycle of cultural and scientific events - a project with the generic „Personalities of the 20th century" initiated by the NMHM having as objective the valorization and promotion of the achievements of notorious personalities of national culture and science.

Commemorative exhibition „Valeriu Gagiu. The man and his work”

The exhibition displays over 150 photographs, documents, state distinctions, toffees which were awarded to V. Gagiu at different international competitions and festivals, personal objects, film posters etc. - relics that reflect the life and work of the renowned scenarist and film director.

Different compartment of the exhibition shows us the years of studies, professional activity, social activity and private life of V. Gagiu.

The photos represent fascinating fragments from the most valuable cinema projections realized by the late scenarist and film director, such as: Omul merge după soare (The man follows the sun), Când pleacă cocorii (When cranes are leaving), Gustul pâinii (The taste of bread), Zece ierni pe-o vară (Ten winters for one summer), Corbii prada n-o împart (The crows don't share the pray), Unde ești, dragoste (Where are you, love), Deținutul misterios (The mysterious prisoner), Ultimul haiduc (The last haiduc) etc. They also offer an opportunity to meet with the great actors who featured in Valeriu Gagiu's movies: Grigore Grigoriu, Dumitru Fusu, Valeriu Cupcea, Vasile Zubcu, Marica Bălan, Gheorghe Grâu, Natalia Saico, Larisa Lujina, Anatol Papanov, Valeriu Gataev, Nicolae Gubenco, Larisa Guzeeva etc.

Among the many valuable objects displayed in the exhibition some have a particular sentimental value.

This is an image of V. Gagiu near the bust of Nicolae Iorga, the place where once was the Sanatorium - Maternity of doctor Rudolf Kurtz, where on May 1st, 1938 was born the future scenarist and film director.

This is a calendar with a fragment from the movie „Omul merge după soare" (The man follows the sun) with which V. Gagiu made his debut in 1961 at „Moldova-film" Studio as a scenarist.

The typewriting machine „Colibri" is another special memorial object which was used by V. Gagiu to write his first scenarios and which has been confiscated in 1971 by the KGB the during the search conducted at home.

The exhibition „Valeriu Gagiu. The man and his work" is organized by the National Museum of History of Moldova in collaboration with the Cinematographers Union of the Republic of Moldova.

#Exhibit of the Month

Glass Goblet from the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov Cemetery (4th Century AD) in Tigheci

„Valeriu Gagiu. The man and his work”

March 18 - May 5, 2014

#Exhibit of the Month