#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

#Exhibit of the Month

June 2024

Eufrosinia Kersnovski: volume of works from the NMHM collection

In 2024, it will be three decades since the passing away of Eufrosinia Kersnovski, the woman deported from Soroca, on the night of June 12-13, 1941 and subsequently sentenced by the Party-State to 20 years in prison for escaping from the GULAG. Succeeding in surviving the correctional work camps, Eufrosinia Kersnovski will assume the status of an eyewitness of the atrocities of the totalitarian-communist regime in the years to come, leaving to the next generations 12 notebooks of memories about the hell she went through, accompanied by about 700 color illustrations.

Published under the title "The price of a human being", under the coordination of the Academician Valeriu Pasat, the testimonies of Eufrosinia Kersnovski reveal the price of human life in the context of political repressions, capturing with heartbreaking honesty her experiences in the forced labor camps and her determination to survive and to tell the truth about the endured sufferings. In addition to the recounting of the events, the author of the narratives reflects deeply on human nature and on how the totalitarian regime degraded moral values and human dignity. The color illustrations inserted into the volume represent an invaluable historical value, providing authentic details of life in the GULAG and the impact of political repression on individuals and communities. The book "The price of a human being" is more than just a testimony of suffering; the publication is a powerful condemnation of totalitarianism and a celebration of the human spirit, bringing to the fore the voice of a woman who managed to transform personal trauma into a universal call for justice and truth.

This work documents a dark chapter of history and serves as a reminder of the power of human resilience and solidarity in trying times. The book urges museum visitors to reflect on the value of human life and the imperative to protect human freedom and dignity.