#Exhibit of the Month

The artifact is a battle axe made from magmatic rock (diabase) of gray-brown color. It was accidentally discovered in 1966 within the territory of Aluniș village, Rîșcani district. Based on its morphological characteristics, the artifact can be attributed to the Catacomb culture (29th-22nd centuries BCE).

The axe features a massive, elongated naviform body with slightly pronounced shoulders, a short and narrow edge that is flat and circular in cross-section. The blade is slightly curved. The hole was drilled in the maximum width of the object. It is circular in shape with a diameter of 2.2 cm. The surface of the artifact is meticulously polished, worked with great care, and shows no signs of damage or chipping.

Dimensions: Length: 20.0 cm; Maximum width: 8.4 cm; Edge diameter: 5.0 cm; Blade width: 7.0 cm; Weight: 2.3 kg.

Stone battle axes are characteristic of the Catacomb culture communities and are most often found as grave goods, deposited in tombs. Their presence in funerary complexes suggests a multifaceted functionality: weapons, social symbols, and ritual objects. Initially used as weapons, the axes became social symbols for their owners, later acquiring votive significance when deposited in tombs to serve the deceased in the afterlife.

The social symbolic function of stone battle axes is indicated by the high-quality rocks used for their manufacture and the exceptionally meticulous craftsmanship. The large dimensions of the axe from Aluniș support this hypothesis and distinguish it from other examples.

The discovery of stone battle axes outside a funerary complex may indicate their votive deposition. It is difficult to imagine that these exceptionally well-crafted pieces, made from high-quality rocks transported over great distances, could have been abandoned or lost accidentally. It is far more likely that they were deposited for magical-religious purposes, a possibility that may also apply to the stone axe discovered at Aluniș.

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Art that makes paper come alive

November 11, 2023

Every year on November 11, World Origami Day is celebrated all over the world. On this occasion, the Department of Public Relations and Museum Education of the National Museum of History of Moldova organized two origami workshops for children, their parents and grandparents. For many of them, this was a unique opportunity to learn about the history of this technique, specific to Japanese culture, to create small artistic jewels using only paper.

During the activities, the participants were intrigued by what the finished product would look like and were extremely happy with their creations, achieved through ability, imagination, great skill and, above all, patience. These were later taken home and given with much love to families and friends. Thus, puppies, houses and many cranes came to life, which are the symbol of peace, hope and longevity.

The two workshops demonstrated that origami is both an artistic manifestation and a passion that embraces creative people who want to add more color and relaxation to everyday life, and the satisfaction is sure to live up to their expectations.

At the same time, those present at the event got acquainted with the exhibition "Origami - the World Tree", organized by NMHM in partnership with the Origami Moldova Association, which will be open to the public until November 25, 2023.

#Exhibit of the Month

Stone Battle Axe Discovered at Aluniș, Rîșcani District

Art that makes paper come alive

November 11, 2023

#Exhibit of the Month