#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

"Works of Architect Valentin Voitsekhovsky"

August 9 – September 9, 2012

The exhibition is dedicated to the commemoration of 35 years from the death of architect V. Voitsekhovsky (1909-1977); it is a tribute to this outstanding person who has greatly contributed to the reconstruction of postwar Chisinau and the urban construction in the country.

Based on his projects in the Chisinau there were designed about 100 buildings, including the "Patria" Cinema (1951), buildings of the first residential district of Botanica (1952-1962), the building of the Ministry of Food Industry (1953), "N. Testemițeanu" Medical University (1956-1962), buildings from the 4^th residential district of Riscani (1961), "S. Lunchevici" State Philharmonic (1962), a number of residential buildings on Stefan cel Mare Boulevard in Chisinau, and many residential buildings, schools, cinemas at the towns of Balti and Soroca. In his work V. Voitsekhovsky used motifs of Moldavian folk architecture and local materials. He used glazed ceramic elements for decoration of facades in accordance with the traditions of Byzantine architecture. V. Voitsekhovsky was at the forefront of the Moldavian Soviet architecture, one of the few founders of the national architectural school.

The exhibition presents photographs and original documents from the museum and private collections. Valuable is the collection of the National Museum of Archaeology and History of Moldova, which reflects the activities of the Andronache (Andrunakevich) - Stadnițki family, revealing biography of the architect wife - Tatiana, well-known pianist and teacher at the Chisinau State Conservatoire, a daughter of renowned Bessarabian pianist Antonina Stadnițki - Andronache. An important part of the exhibition presents the development of Soroca, the hometown of the architect V. Voitsekhovsky.

Among the authentic materials (projects, models) there is shown an original project - the former Sovnarkhoz building (now Ministry of Industry), situated on Stefan cel Mare Boulevard. For many years this project has been preserved in A. V. Şciusev's Memorial Museum and currently is in the possession of the National Museum of Archaeology and History of Moldova. This work of the architect is the core of the exhibition.