#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 exhibition "Chisinau: an unknown history"

January 12, 2023

On January 12, 2023, at the National Museum of History of Moldova, was inaugurated the exhibition dedicated to the National Day of Culture, entitled "Chisinau: an unknown history".

The exhibition was carried out by the Archeology Sector of NMHM and brings together an important number of documentary materials illustrating the historical past of Chisinau. The absolute majority of these materials are part of the NMHM collections and constitute a true historical-cultural treasure that allows the objective reconstruction of the city's past. Brought to light as a result of archaeological research in the last decades, they highlight unknown aspects of the history, culture, demography, social, economic and political relations of Chisinau from all times, starting with prehistoric times, passing through the ancient and medieval periods and reaching the premodern period.

At the beginning of the event the General Director of NMHM, dr.hab. Eugen Sava, highlighted the role of this exhibition in promoting the knowledge and study of the history of the city of Chisinau. Mr. Eugen Sava drew attention to the importance of safeguarding the archaeological sites and preserving the discovered vestiges, given that they can provide us with unique information regarding the history of the city and the people who have lived here over the centuries.

In her speech, Mrs. Angela Cutasevici, the Deputy Mayor of the cultural branch of the Chisinau City Hall, thanked NMHM for the contribution brought to the discovery, restoration and presentation to the general public of the pieces from the exhibition. Mrs. Angela Cutasevici also noted the importance of archeology in order to research the history of the city of Chisinau and that Chisinau City Hall is open and supports the actions taken on this subject.

Dr. Mark Tcaciuc drew attention to the fact that the pieces in the exhibition not only present pages from the history of the city, but also describe how our predecessors lived, what lifestyle they led or how they spent their free time. Mr. Mark Tcaciuc opined the idea that Chisinau does not owe its development exclusively to the Tsarist Empire, but that the city had a history and urban development in the periods leading up to the events of the 19th century, a fact that the archaeological pieces discovered tell us about. Although Chisinau has gone through various periods throughout history, it has always survived and preserved its identity.

Mr. Dr. Ion Tentiuc, in his speech, told about the history of archaeological discoveries in the city of Chisinau and highlighted the fact that our city contains numerous sites that must be researched and exploited. Mr. Ion Tentiuc told about the research carried out at Valea Morilor, the Mazarache Church, the Armenian Church, the Old Square and other important places in the city, which brought to light precious data about our city.

The curator of the exhibition, Mrs. Dr. Natalia Mateevici, presented to the general public the sections of the exhibition, which, in addition to archaeological remains, also contain documentary materials on the history of the city of Chisinau. Mrs. Natalia Mateevici thanked everyone involved in making this beautiful exhibition and noted that this exhibition is not only about Chisinau but also about its people, whether they are natives of the city or recently arrived here, but for whom Chisinau has become the city of their hearts.

"Chisinau: an unknown history" can be visited between January 12 and June 1, 2023 in Room no. 1 (Ground floor) of the National Museum of History of Moldova, Chisinau, str. 31 August 1989, 121A.