#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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Civil Society Gala 2023, 4th edition

June 7, 2023

On June 7, the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted the 4th edition of the Civil Society Gala 2023, an event in which Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from different regions of the Republic of Moldova were awarded for their commitment, dedication, activism and creativity in finding solutions to the most acute problems at the local and national level.

This year, CSOs from the Republic of Moldova were recognized in seven distinct categories. The awards were given as a sign of appreciation for the promotion of European values, the support of democracy and the contribution to the economic and social development of the Republic of Moldova. The list of winners is as follows: The "Expert-Group" analytical center received the Stronger Governance Award, the "Casa Speranțelor" Public Association was awarded the Stronger Society Award, the Business Women's Association received the Stronger Economy Award, and the National Environmental Center was honored with the Stronger Connectivity Award.

During the Gala, three special awards were also given: the Public Association "Грани будущество" received the Trust Building Award, the "Făclia" Public Association was awarded the Award for Promoting Gender Equality, and the "Vibe Academy" Educational Center obtained Innovation Promotion Award.

Janis Mazeiks, the ambassador of the European Union in the Republic of Moldova, emphasized that the EU delegation strives to interact with CSOs, to be as close as possible to citizens and local communities. The ambassador stated that in the near future it is intended to increase support to civil society, focusing on improving social services, promoting social entrepreneurship and supporting projects for good governance. He highlighted the pride of being present in many localities in the Republic of Moldova and contributing to improving the quality of life of vulnerable people.

Prime Minister Dorin Recean stated that the citizens of the Republic of Moldova sent a clear message in favor of European integration and that the country has a well-established place in the European Union. He emphasized the commitment of civil society to be the guardian of democracy over the years and recognized their considerable and constant contribution to the current status of a candidate country.