#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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25th Annual Scientific Session

October 8-9, 2015

Following the yearly tradition, the National Museum of History of Moldova organized on October 8th and 9th, 2015 the 25th edition of the Yearly Session of Scientific Papers. The Session from October 8th-9th, 2015, as the ones from previous years, had three components: plenary session, issue of the museum journal Tyragetia and discussion in panels.

The opening session was held on October 8th, in the Blue Room of the museum. The participants at the event were greeted by former museum director Nicolae Răileanu, dr.Ion Gumenâi, dean of History Department of the State University of Moldova and dr. Sergiu Musteață, dean of History and Geography Department of the State Pedagogical University „Ion Creangă". Their welcome speeches were focused on the national and international significance of the Session, the need to maintain and promote this tradition and the fruitful collaboration of the museum with universities and academic institutions from the republic and abroad. It was noted what has been achieved so far and what should be done in the future.

Since its first edition, the Session was designed as a complex event with exhibition openings, book issues and other related activities. This year was no exception as at the plenary session was issued the museum journal Tyragetia, 2015, no.1 - Arheologie și Istorie Antică and no.2 - Istorie și Muzeologie. Dr.Aurel Zanoci presented the two volumes of the journal noting their scientific character addressed first of all to specialists, but which can interest the large public as well with their diverse thematic of papers included.

The Session was organized in a plenary meeting and three sections: Archaeology and Ancient History, Medieval and Modern History, Contemporary History and Highlighting Museum Heritage. The plenary session was mediated by dr.hab Elena Ploșnița. Two papers of wide concern were presented in this part of the Session: the first one signed by dr.hab.prof.univ. Victor Ţvircun - „Enigma postmortem a lui Dimitrie Cantemir" (Dimitrie Cantemir postmortem mystery) and the second signed by dr.hab.prof.univ. Anatol Petrencu - „Începuturile Gualg-ului: Arhipelagul Solovețk - Canalul Marrea Albă-Marea Baltică" (Beginnings of Gulag: Archipelago Solovețk - White See-Baltic See Channel).

In the sections were presented 65 scientific papers by researchers, university professors, museographers from the republic and abroad. The thematic palette was a rich one with particularly valuable papers, many of them provoking intense debates. The participants approached issues concerning history, archaeology, protection and highlighting of cultural heritage. The presentations and the discussion were highly appreciated by the participants who expressed opinions, suggestions, identified principles, forwarded hypotheses and made conclusions.

The Session ended with a meeting summarizing the results. All the participants at the session noted the importance and necessity of organizing this Session of scientific papers. The 25th edition of the Yearly Session of Scientific Papers of the museum was a success due to the efforts of the museum staff and the support of our colleagues from the State University of Moldova and the State Pedagogical University „Ion Creangă". Everybody underlined the importance of the event which is actually an international one, while the presence of colleagues from abroad was recognition of the value of this Session. The Session of scientific papers of the museum reflects the interest of specialists for research on history, archaeology and museology.

Elena Ploșnița

#Exhibit of the Month

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

25th Annual Scientific Session

October 8-9, 2015

#Exhibit of the Month