#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

Museum Event "Restoring History from Shards"

September 26, 2024

The National Museum of History of Moldova celebrated the European Heritage Days on September 26, 2024, with the activity "Rebuilding History from Fragments." The event was organized by the Public Relations and Museum Education Department in collaboration with the Museum Restoration Department.

The activity was held for a group of students from "Mircea Eliade" Theoretical High School in Chisinau and focused on sharing knowledge and information with the younger generation, offering them the opportunity to better understand the importance of preserving national cultural heritage and the process of restoring artifacts.

The first part of the activity took place in the ceramics restoration laboratory, where museum specialists Mariana Guzun and Daniela Feroni enthusiastically discussed the specialized work carried out on various ceramic pieces, each with different levels of degradation. They explained how hundreds of fragments, which may seem worthless at first glance, can eventually be brought back to life as a well-preserved museum piece.

During the activity, the students had the opportunity to talk to restorer Anastasia Craev, who introduced them to various specialized techniques and discussed the importance of heritage preservation. She also touched on the topic of souvenirs, highlighting how they can contribute to promoting and understanding national history and culture in an international context. The students learned not only about the restoration process but also about the educational and cultural value of national heritage.

Through interactive and educational activities, participants were encouraged to appreciate local history and traditions, thus contributing to the formation of a deeper cultural awareness. Upon leaving, the students expressed enthusiasm and appreciation for the experience at the National Museum of History of Moldova. They emphasized how interesting and informative the activities were, noting that they learned a lot about the importance of preserving national cultural heritage and the process of restoring artifacts. Many of them mentioned that interacting with the museum restorers and specialists gave them a new perspective on history and universal culture, inspiring them to explore these fields further in the future.

This initiative reflects a successful model of integrating education and culture, having a significant impact on the perception of the younger generations towards national cultural heritage.

#Exhibit of the Month

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

Museum Event "Restoring History from Shards"

September 26, 2024

#Exhibit of the Month