#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

International Conference „When Sweden was ruled from Moldova"

February 1, 2013

International Conference „When Sweden was ruled from Moldova" was held in the Blue Room of the National Museum of Archaeology and History of Moldova from 1 to 2 February 2013. It was dedicated to the 300^th anniversary of the Kalabalik at Varnița and Swedish King Charles XII's stay in Bender and Varnița during the time from 1709 to 1713.

At the conference there made presentations scientists from academic institutions, universities, and museums from the Republic of Moldova, Sweden, Ukraine, and Turkey. Reports were focused on issues of history of the 17th - 18th centuries and Sweden's political relations with Russia and the Ottoman Empire, the role of Charles XII in these relations, the Kalabalik at Varnița and the Swedish king's long stay at Bender and Varnița in 1709 - 1713, the necessity of museological development of this segment of Moldavian-Swedish joint history, and so on.

The conference was moderated by two researchers - Dr. Erik Norberg, secretary of the Royal Swedish Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities, and Prof. Ion Eremia, the State University of Moldova.

The presented reports aroused interest and discussion. We note in particular the reports Carlopolis, the Swedish town on the banks of the Dniester by Dr. Åsa Karlsson, Chief Editor of the Swedish Biographical Dictionary; Economic ties between Sweden and the Ottoman Empire 1709 - 1714 by Prof. Lars Magnusson, Uppsala University, Sweden; The oriental expeditions by Dr. Karin Ådahl, Turkey; King Charles XII at Bender and Varnița - history and memory by Dr. hab. Elena Ploșnița, Republic of Moldova.

The conference proceedings will be published in a separate volume, which will be released in Stockholm to November 30, 2013, the anniversary of Charles XII's death.