#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

Inauguration of the "Architecture of Independence in Central Europe" exhibition

February 1, 2023

On February 1, 2023, in the premises of the National Museum of History of Moldova took place the opening of the "Architecture of Independence in Central Europe" exhibition.

The event was opened by Eugen Sava, the General Director of the National Museum of History of Moldova, who stated that this exhibition is a continuation of the collaboration between NMHM, the Polish Institute in Bucharest and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Chisinau. Mr. Sava highlighted the importance of this beneficial relationship, which has as a results, numerous projects and exhibitions realized during the last years.

Svetlana Pociumban, head of the Cultural Heritage Directorate of the Ministry of Culture and Natalia Mosor, director of the Polish Institute in Bucharest, came with greetings and speeches, who reiterated the importance of Moldovan-Polish collaboration and thanks to which we can admire this exhibition today.

S.E. Tomasz Michał Kobzdej, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland in Chisinau, reported on the concept and content of the exhibition. Mr. Ambassador highlighted the main processes that the cities of Central Europe went through in the period after the First World War and how they influenced the architecture of that period, architecture that combines various aspects, among which the political, social and cultural are already found.

The leitmotif of the exhibition is to present the very dynamic period, after 1918, from the perspective of the entire spectrum of changes that influenced the space, urban planning and architecture of the new countries that appeared on the map of Central Europe. In the present case, the architecture of independence is understood more broadly than just individual buildings. It is the symbol of its materiality in the landscape of regions and cities, of the search for new models of national iconography, of the desire to create opportunities for social development, but also of the emergence of the idea of a new man.

Also, the end of the First World War marked the birth of the idea of a new man. The man of the future had to be healthy and athletic, and his body had to resemble a machine. Health and hygiene, sport and active recreation were considered factors of social and moral change, as well as important elements in the consolidation of new societies. Spas have developed, as has the sports infrastructure. Sports halls, racetracks, swimming pools, stadiums that could accommodate thousands of spectators became visible symbols of modernization and a great propaganda tool for the newly created states.

The curators of the exhibition are Łukasz Galusek, Dr. Żanna Komar, Helena Postawka-Lech, Dr. Michał Wiśniewski, Natalia Żak.

The exhibition "Architecture of Independence in Central Europe" is co-financed from the funds of the Polish Minister of Culture and National Heritage, as part of the NIEPODLEGŁA Multiannual Program for the years 2017-2022 and can be seen at the National Museum of History of Moldova from February 1-28, 2023.