#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

Interactive visit for children with hearing disabilities

September 25, 2019

Each year, the museum dedicates the last week of September to supporting the social inclusion of young people with hearing disabilities. On September 25, 30 children from the Professional School no. 11 for children with hearing disabilities, from Chișinău, spent together unforgettable moments at the museum.

Even if deafness is a disability that is not visible, young people who have such deficiencies are exposed daily to the risk of not being accepted by society. Most of them had attended special institutions, starting with kindergarten, where they were assisted by professionals of the gestural language. In order to be able to work, most of these persons would need the support of an interpreter of mimicry and gestures. In the Republic of Moldova, only nine specialists in mimicry are authorized for about 5000 people with hearing problems. One of them was invited at the activity organized by the museum to facilitate the children's access to the information displayed in the museum.

There is no way of telling exactly what they liked the most, however the children showed great interest during all three hours spent in the museum. First, they were challenged to mold a prehistoric handmade clay vessel, to spark between two stones and to weave using a weaving installation. Being students at a vocational school, they showed great skill in everything, proving that the deed is worth much more than the word. After that, the children gathered together the pieces from a big puzzle, and the big surprise made by the museum was visit of the volunteers of the Color Party, who taught the children to model puppies and flowers from balloons, and painted the visitors on face and hands in their favorite colors.

This day brought sunshine to the museum. The happiness of the children is encouraging and motivating us to organize such interactive visits more often, because History makes no difference between its descendants. We hope that such activities will raise public awareness, and spread inclusive practices in other public institutions.

The museum always has wide open doors for everyone.