#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

Events Archive

Azerbaijan-Moldova youth forum "Karabakh is Azerbaijan"

January 19, 2023

On January 19, in the premises of the National Museum of History of Moldova, took place the Azerbaijan-Moldova youth forum "Karabakh is Azerbaijan" on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the Leader of the Nation of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev.

Representatives of state institutions and various organizations from Moldova and Azerbaijan participated in the forum. Among those present were Vitalie Jacot, deputy of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, president of the Moldova-Azerbaijan friendship parliamentary group, Dmitri Moruz, director of the Inter-Ethnic Relations Agency, Nicolae Radita, adviser to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova on Human Rights and Inter-Ethnic Relations, Elena Pentelei, general director of the National Library of the Republic of Moldova, Agil Alesker, general director of media of the "Epoca Nouă" group, Nihad Allahyarly, president of the "Continuare" youth movement, students and young people both from Moldova and Azerbaijanis who have settled in Moldova.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Moldova, Gudsi Osmanov, mentioned in his speech that the Forum is being held on the eve of an important date of mourning in the history of the Azerbaijani people - January 20, which marked the beginning of the restoration of the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Mr. Ambassador noted that the Leader of the Whole Nation of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, was the one who was not afraid to come to the Permanent Representation of Azerbaijan in Moscow on January 21, 1990, condemning before the international community the actions of the Soviet government and gave a political appreciation - legal of these events. The ambassador wanted to highlight the role of Heydar Aliyev in the development of the Azerbaijani youth, recalling the care and attention he paid to this sphere and which is successfully continued today by his worthy successor, President Ilham Aliyev.

The young active members of the Congress of Azeris from Moldova were handed certificates of appreciation.

The event was organized with the support of the Youth Foundation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Republic of Moldova, the Congress of Azeris from Moldova and the public association "Support for the initiative and development of youth" in collaboration with the National Museum of History of Moldova.