#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

"Moldova has art - Chisinau has art"

June 10, 2023

On June 10, the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted the second edition of the event "Moldova has art - Chisinau has art". This special event was dedicated to promoting the cultural wealth of our country and represented a unique opportunity to discover and support local artists.

The evening was transformed into a musical story by the "Serghei Lunchevici" National Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, under the guidance of the talented conductor Mihail Agafita. The soloists of the Orchestra, together with special guests and talented young people from educational institutions with an arts profile in Chisinau, such as Mihail Munteanu, Constantin Moscovici, Cristina Scarlat, Anna Odobescu, Olesia Shevchenko, Elena Demirdjean, Marian Stârcea, Victoria Nikitcenko, Eduard Musteață, Tatiana Costiuc, the Chorale "Vocile praverii" and many others, created unforgettable musical moments.

During the event, participants had the opportunity to admire and purchase works of art by talented painters such as Iurie Matei, Galina Vieru, Ion Cârchelan, Inga Edu, Olivia Furtună Efremov, Iulia Cârchelan, Mari Iurskaya, Serghei Kliuchnicoff, Yuliana Kilchevschi, Cristina Balan, Victor Crețu, Nicoleta Stati, Olesea Muntean, and of exceptional sculptors such as Veaceslav Jiglițki, Tatiana Bazarova, Sergiu Josu, Gheorghe Urechi.

The presentation of the event was carried out by the charismatic actor Alexandru Pleșca, together with his daughter, the talented violinist Petra Pleșca, who brought more sparkle and excitement to the evening.

The National Museum of History of Moldova is proud to be the host of the event "Moldova has art - Chisinau has art", as the promotion of local artists and the country's cultural wealth is a fundamental part of our mission. We are glad that we were able to offer a platform where the public could discover and support Moldovan talents, thus contributing to the development and promotion of local culture.

#Exhibit of the Month

Glass Goblet from the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov Cemetery (4th Century AD) in Tigheci

"Moldova has art - Chisinau has art"

June 10, 2023

#Exhibit of the Month