#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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Dual Education Day in Chișinău

May 28, 2022

On Saturday, May 28, 2022, the courtyard of the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted a series of activities dedicated to dual technical vocational education - an alternative form of classical technical vocational education. Dozens of young people explored interesting and well-paid trades on Dual Education Day!

The event under the slogan "Learn. Work. Win!" brought together about 20 vocational schools and companies that competed in interactive workshops and providing up-to-date training and employment opportunities.

The presented new professional opportunities were addressed, in particular, to graduates of secondary schools, as well as people under the age of 35 who want to learn a new profession. The young visitors learned about the benefits of dual education and took part in a series of workshops in such topical areas as electronics, energy, information technology, food processing, fashion, beauty and even medicine.

Potential students had the opportunity to ask questions, participate in discussions with members of the participating institutions and try out various trades. Thus, in the workshops, they discovered culinary, clothing and beauty tricks, learned the secrets of efficient agriculture, explored energy innovations and saw how they can change the world through digitalization.

The event was attended by Mr. Anatolie Topala, Minister of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova, who stressed the important role of this form of education for contemporary society.

In addition to useful information and unique opportunities, an entertainment program awaited visitors. The stage of the event included several musical performances, fashion shows, as well as exciting dances.

The Dual Education Day 2022 was organized by the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova, with the support of the project "Promoting Technical Vocational Education for a Green Economy" implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Cooperation and Economic Development (BMZ) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

The event was also illustrated by a photo exhibition, which can be viewed on the fence of the National Museum of History of Moldova until June 15, 2022.

#Exhibit of the Month

Stone Battle Axe Discovered at Aluniș, Rîșcani District

Dual Education Day in Chișinău

May 28, 2022

#Exhibit of the Month