#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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Events Archive

Historian's Day 2017

June 18, 2017

On June 18, 2017, the servants of Goddess Clio from the Republic of Moldova celebrated the seventh edition of the professional day of the historian. The establishment of this professional holiday in 2011 was an act of recognition by the state of the contribution made by the community of historians to the complex process the rehabilitation of the scientific truth, an appreciation of the effort made for the spiritual rebirth of our people, whose civic conscience and national identity has been deeply affected by the communist regime. Also, this holiday, which celebrates the historical guild, is a gesture of encouragement for those who do not spare their efforts to return to the national values and of support of those who truly promote democratic and general human values.

On this beautiful occasion, the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted a Festive Meeting, organized with the effort and support of the Association of Historians of the Republic of Moldova, the Institute of History of the ASM, the History and Philosophy Department of USM, the State Pedagogical University "Ion Creangă", the History and International Relations Department of ULIM, the Center for Culture and Military History, and the National Museum of History of Moldova.

The Blue Room of the National Museum of History of Moldova gathered scholars and history teachers from universities and schools, museographers, archivists, and students passionate about history. There were many speakers at the event: assoc. prof. Gheorghe NEGRU, interim president of the Association of Historians of the Republic of Moldova, prof. dr. hab. Gheorghe COJOCARU, director of the Institute of History of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, Ion NEGREI, vice-president of the Association of Historians of the Republic of Moldova, Viorica NEGREI, deputy head of Education, Youth and Sport General Department, Chișinău Municipality, assoc.prof. Vitalie CIOBANU, director of the Center for Culture and Military History of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Moldova, Petru VICOL, director of the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History of the Republic of Moldova. At the event were also awarded diplomas with appreciation of the efforts of the most distinguished historians. The meeting was embellished with a show performed by the students of the Republican Music Lyceum "Ciprian Porumbescu" from Chișinău, with a recital of lyrics and songs of deep national and artistic significance.

#Exhibit of the Month

Glass Goblet from the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov Cemetery (4th Century AD) in Tigheci

Historian's Day 2017

June 18, 2017

#Exhibit of the Month