#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

European Night of Museums 2023

May 13, 2023

At the night of the museums, fashion comes alive!

The National Museum of History of Moldova had the pleasure of hosting one of the most important events in the world museum community - the European Night of Museums, under the banner "At the night of museums, fashion comes to life!". The event, in its 19th edition, was organized on Saturday, May 13, 2023, between 17:00 and 24:00.

During the evening, visitors had the opportunity to participate in various activities and surprises specially prepared for them. The program of the event included free visits to the museum's permanent and temporary exhibitions, the interactive game "Discover me!", worldly animations in the museum's exhibitions, etc. The students of the Center of Excellence in Light Industry organized hair and make-up laboratories, and the International Women's Club of Moldova presented the laboratory "The Enigma of the Indian Sari" and the international parade "Fashion without borders". There were also artistic performances, music and dance recitals performed by the students of the "Eugen Doga" School of Music, the ensemble of guitarists from the class of Professor Nicolae Ceauș of the "Maria Bieșu" School of Music, the students of the Department of Choreographic Art and Motor Performance of the Academy of Music, Theater and Fine Arts, as well as the "Cantabile" Youth Choir of the Academy of Economic Studies from Moldova.

In addition to the activities inside the museum, there were also motorcycle exhibitions in the museum courtyard, the festive recital by the marching band of the "Alexei Stârcea" School of Arts and the presentation of "Guardians of Peace" in which the participants could dress up in medieval armor. The evening was ended in a spectacular way with a fire-show supported by the "Kairos" Club.

The National Museum of History of Moldova thanks everyone who participated in this special event and looks forward to next meetings at our events!

Event partners: Moldovan National Youth Orchestra, 513, "Cantabile" Youth Choir of the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova, Academy of Music, Theater and Visual Arts (AMTAP), Center of Excellence in Light Industry, International Women's Club of Moldova, "Adam Mickiewicz" Library, "Alexei Stârcea" School of Arts, "Maria Bieșu" School of Music, "Eugen Doga" School of Music, Kairos

General media partner: TVR Moldova

Media partners: Afisha, Diez, TV Moldova 1, Călătorii cu Gust