#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.

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“Echoes of War” exhibition Opens in Moldova

4 October, 2023

"Echoes of War" by a Syrian photojournalist, Omar Sanadiki opened on 4 October in the National Museum of History of Moldova. The exhibition depicts two distant, yet intertwined wars in Syria and in Ukraine. The photos in Ukraine were shot in June this year, and were brought to Chişinău by the European External Action Service (EEAS) as a collaborative project with the photographer. "Echoes of War" will stay on show until 31 October at the Museum.

In his captivating photos, Sanadiki provides a reflective visual journey contrasting the turbulent atmospheres from the war that broke out in 2011 in Syria with those captured in 2023 in Ukraine. Sanadiki documents the war in Syria since its first day, photographing the destruction and the lives of the inhabitants of Homes, Aleppo and Damascus. The idea of the exhibition was born in Ukraine, during a media training organized by the EEAS which Sanadiki participated in.

During the opening of the exhibition on 4 October, the photographer said: "While visiting Ukraine and talking to the Ukrainian journalists, I felt inspired by seeing how the Ukrainian people cope with the war". "It reminded me of my people, of Syrians. Of our suffering and pain".

Sanadiki paired the photos he took in Syria with the frames from Ukraine in ten powerful stories, from personal reaction to destruction, portraying the inside of bombed houses, hands going through the rubble in the search of faded memories and pieces of past lives. He also depicts how life continues in both nations, with everyday tales of families, friends and passers-by who continue to live in Syria and Ukraine.

"These photos represent two distant, yet intertwined experiences of war, suffering and resilience" - said Aude Maio-Coliche, Director of Strategic Communication and Foresight at the European External Action Service at the opening. "They transcend geographical and cultural or linguistic boundaries".

Ambassador Jānis Mažeiks, the Head of EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova said "It is very important that there are artists who document this evil, but also document the humanity, the way life goes on, how children are being born and raised, even against the background of shelled buildings".

"For me" - added the Ambassador - "it is also a reminder of being on the right side of the history. I think we can collectively take pride in the fact that the European Union and the Republic of Moldova both on the occasions of Syria and of the war in Ukraine - Russia's unprovoked aggression against Ukraine - have been on the right side of the history, not only in words, but also in deeds".

"Echoes of War" is an example of the efforts of the European Union to continue the conversation about the true cost of war. It also serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit remains unbroken, ever-resilient, ever-hopeful.

The exhibition is a result of the training for journalists that took place in Poland and Ukraine for journalists coming from the outside of the European Union organized by the EEAS this summer. On Thursday and Friday the media professionals are visiting Chişinău to join training organized by the EEAS for media representatives from the Western Balkans, Middle East, Africa, South America and Asia to discuss the challenges of disinformation and information manipulation faced by the media today.

The exhibition will stay on display at the National Museum of History of Moldova until 31 October.