#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.

Virtual Tour

Events Archive

International Museum Day
"Museums for Education and Research"

May 18, 2024

The National Museum of History of Moldova had the honor of hosting one of the most important events in the life of the world museum community - International Museum Day. This year's event, held under the banner "Museums for Education and Research", took place on Saturday, May 18, 2024, between 10:00 and 18:00.

Throughout the day, visitors had the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities and surprises specially prepared for this occasion. The program included:

Within the museum:

- 10:00-18:00 - Free Visit to the museum's permanent and temporary exhibitions.

- 11:00-12:00 - Living Exhibit - a museum project using artificial intelligence to detect and describe exhibits, presented by students from IPLT "Gheorghe Asachi", winners of the "Engineering Excellence" Award at the FIRST LEGO League Challenge Moldova 2024.
Location: nr. 9 (Bronze), floor

- 12:00-13:00 - Tactile Music - an installation generating contemporary music sounds through tactile touch, presented by winners of the "Engineering Excellence" Award at the FIRST LEGO League Challenge Moldova 2024, students from IPLT Da Vinci, Chisinau.
Location: nr. 8 (Medieval), floor

- 13:00-14:00 - Guided Robot - a museum hall model where a guide robot offers both remote and disability-friendly tours, presented by students from IPLT "Gaudeamus" Chisinau, winners of the "Innovation Project" Award at the FIRST LEGO League Challenge Moldova 2024.
Location: nr. 6 (Red), floor

- 15:00-16:00 - Museum in Reflected Reality - holograms, soap bubbles, luminescent algae, programmable LEDs, presented by students from IPLT "Mihai Stratulat" s. Boscana, Criuleni, winners of the "Perseverance" Award at the FIRST LEGO League Challenge Moldova 2024.
Location: Cinemateca "Clio", floor
- 15:30-16:00 - Opening of Temporary Exhibition "Dialogue in Space and Time. Exhibition of Chinese Costume Culture" organized by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Chisinau.
Location: nr. 1 (Parter), floor

- 16:00-17:00 - Virtual Reality Workshop organized by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Chisinau:
- Interactive activities: Chinese knot, cutting Chinese paper, calligraphy;
- Demonstrations: guzheng (Chinese musical instrument), Kung Fu (Chinese martial art).

- 17:00-18:00 - Musical Concert supported by the brass band of the "Alexei Stârcea" School of Arts, artistic leader and conductor: Mihail Lisii

In the courtyard of the museum:

13:00-15:00 - "Technological evolution in space and time. Prehistory" - interactive activities and Cucutenian drawings.
13:00-18:00 - "Technological evolution in space and time. Medieval era" - activities supported by the Association of Historical Reconstruction clubs from the Republic of Moldova "Bastion".
13:00-13:30 - Opening of the exhibition "A history of the oldest inhabited city in Romania - Constanța", organized by the Museum of National History and Archeology Constanța.
16:00-17:00 - Workshop organized by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, including interactive activities and cultural demonstrations.
17:00-18:00 - Music recital performed by the marching band of the "Alexei Stârcea" School of Arts.

International Museum Day, celebrated annually on 18 May, serves as a global platform for promoting the role of museums in cultural exchange and development. This year's edition emphasized the importance of education and research within museums, inviting visitors to rediscover the innovative and traditional role of these institutions.
Thanks to all partners and participants who contributed to the success of this event. We look forward to seeing you at the National Museum of History of Moldova to continue exploring and learning together!

Event partners: Aridon Group, First Lego League Moldova, Constanța National History and Archeology Museum, Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of Moldova, "Alexei Stârcea" School of Arts, "Bastion" Association of Historical Reconstruction Clubs from the Republic of Moldova.

Media partners: Diez, Locals, TVR Moldova, Călătorii cu Gust, Aquarelle Magazine, Aquarelle FM, TV Moldova1
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at our next events!