#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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Archaeological research at the Mazarache church from Chisinau

July – October, 2010

During July – October, 2010 the archaeological expedition of the National Museum of Archaeology and History of Moldova carried out investigations near the Mazarache Church from Chisinau and in the cemetery adjacent to the site. In about 40 investigated graves together with other material able to shed light on the time periods when the cemetery was used (pottery, buttons, earrings, rings, etc.) there were found many coins attributed to the medieval and pre-modern times. At the same time, there were discovered a defensive ditch of the Early Iron Age, a cellar of the 17th – 18th centuries, and remnants of an aqueduct of the 19th century.

Being founded, apparently, in 1742, the Mazarache Church from Chisinau which is dedicated to the Intercession of the Virgin is considered to be the oldest church in the city and is built in the Moldavian style.

It should be mentioned that the archaeological investigations by the Mazarache Church have confirmed the information from written sources on the location of Chisinau (the Gospodar’s charter of July 17, 1436, which refers to Chesenaul of Acbas, and one of 1466 about the settlement of Chisinau near the Albisoara Fountain), and local tradition about the place of the old heart of the town that had been located in the immediate vicinity of the promontory, on which, perhaps, the oldest local church was built.