#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

Dragobete Day at National Museum of History of Moldova

February 23, 2015

On the eve of traditional Romanian holiday Dragobete, the National Museum of History of Moldova organized in partnership with Esthetic Education Center „Lăstărel" and Theoretical Lyceum „Mircea Eliade" an event to honor ancestral cultural values, traditions and customs.

The Romanian version of „Valentine's Day" traces its origins to Dacians and to the belief in a god of love whose celebrations marked also the beginning of spring.

Feast of love and spring at the museum included a literary-musical show entitled „Dragobete kisses girls" performed by artistic groups of Esthetic Education Center „Lăstărel", pupils from the Republican Music Lyceum „Ciprian Porumbescu", Theoretical Lyceum „Mircea Eliade" and Theoretical Lyceum „Iulia Hasdeu".

On this occasion, in the Blue Room of the museum, where the event took place, was organized an exhibition of origami, which completed the festive atmosphere.

Program of literary-musical show „Dragobete kisses girls"

1. Welcome word by presenters Valeria Bârcă and Alexandru Iarovoi.
2. Performance by Group of whistlers „Mugurașii" from the Esthetic Education Center „Lăstărel" with a bouquet of songs, conductor Valeriu Mereuță:
- „Ciobănașul"
- „Rapsodia Română Nr.1 de George Enescu"
- „Trandafir de la Moldova".
3. Legend of Dragobete. Reciters: Victoria Stratulat and Cristian Moșoi.
4. Dragobete - symbol of spring. Presentation by: Alexandra Nicuță.
5. Scene „Dragobete - pupă fete". Performers: pupils from 12th grade from TL „Iulia Hașdeu", professor Eugenia Martea.
6. Romanian traditions and customs for Dragobete. Presentation by: Laura Gherman and Gabriela Chiperi, TL „Iulia Hașdeu" .
7. Music song „Ionel cu pălărie". Performance by: Sorin Culeac, Esthetic Education Center „Lăstărel".
8. Dance „Waltz". Performance by: Victorița Stratulat and Bogdan Cociurca, TL „Mircea Eliade".
9. Music song „Doi ochi căprui". Performance by: Andreea Cojocaru, TL „Mircea Eliade".
10. Poetry „Dragobete" by Viorica Pop. Recites: Mihaela Bargan, TL „Mircea Eliade".
11. Latino dances. Performance by: Victorița Stratulat and Bogdan Cociurca, TL „Mircea Eliade".
12. Poetry „Ce este amorul" by Mihai Eminescu. Recites: Valeria Bîrcă and Alexandru Iarovoi.
13. Violin solo. Valeria Graur, RML „Ciprian Porumbescu".
14. Music song „Iubirile nu mor". Performance by: Sârbu Nicoleta, RML „Ciprian Porumbescu".
15. Music song „Dacă ploaia s-ar opri". Performance by: pupils from 6th grade from RML „Ciprian Porumbescu".
16. Music song „E de necrezut". Performance by: Sârbu Nicoleta, RML „Ciprian Porumbescu".
17. Maxims about love. Reciter: Nicolae Grigoriță, RML „Ciprian Porumbescu".
18. The dance „Joc de sărbătoare". Performed by: group of modern dance „Boom Dance", Esthetic Education Center „Lăstărel". Conductor: Valentina Zagorscaia, Emeritus; ballet master: Elena Guțu; concert master: Irina Bogaciova.
19. Closing speech. Larisa Bardier, head of section, NMHM.