#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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Musical literary show „We are here to carol!”

December 23rd, 2015

It is a tradition for Christmas holidays for the National Museum of History of Moldova to organize shows for children from socially and financially vulnerable families. The purpose of these activities is to promote the rights of children and their families and facilitate their integration into the society. Also, these activities provide an opportunity for these children to enter the wonderful world of winter holidays, to get to know better winter traditions and meet Santa Claus.

On December 23rd, the National Museum of History of Moldova (coordinator: Larisa Bardier) in collaboration with the Social service „Personal Assistance" (coordinator: Tatiana Plucci) and the Center for Aesthetic Education „Lăstărel" (coordinators: Alexandr Cocean, Viorica Florea and Elena Prutean) have organized a musical literary show for children from disadvantaged families living in the municipality of Chișinău of with the title „We are here to carol!". The show was performed by artistic groups of the Center for Aesthetic Education „Lăstărel": Boy's Choir „Academia Campanelli", coordinator Elena Gulpac; Vocal group „Ell-By-Star", coordinator Nelea Maslo, concert maestro Mariana Ganea; Folk group „Dumbrăvița", coordinator Marina Dumbrăveanu, concert maestro Victor Dumbrăveanu; Instrumental group of Fanfare Orchestra „Tenore", coordinator Ion Cojocaru, concert maestro Victor Pogonii; Vocal-choral group „Alegria", coordinator Vasile Roșioru; Vocal group „Tinerețe Floare", coordinator Marcel Stoian; Vocal circle lead by Evghenia Bolotova; Dramatic circle „Copăcel", coordinator Andrei Graur.

From the Program:
1. Suite of carols „Aprindeți luminile", „Şedric", „Veniți gazdă la fereastră" and „Colindăm, colindăm iarna", performed by Boy's Choir „Academia Campanelli".
2. Instrumental song „Am venit să colindăm!", performed by Instrumental group of Fanfare Orchestra „Tenore".
3. Poem „Iarna" by Georgeta Voinovan, presented by Mădălina Graur, member of Dramatic circle „Copăcel".
4. Christmas Carol with Diana Stoica, solo singer of vocal group „Tinerețe Floare".
5. Song „Steaua Crăciunului", performed by vocal group „Ell-By-Star".
6. Carol „O, ce veste minunată", performed by Maria Godoroja, solo singer of vocal-choral group „Alegria".
7. Song „Iară e Crăciunul", performed by Vocal group „Ell-By-Star".
8. Instrumental song „Clopoței", performed by Instrumental group of Fanfare Orchestra „Tenore".
9. Song „Noaptea de Crăciun", performed by Cujbă Valeria and Beziazîcinîi Denis, members of vocal circle.
10. Artistic moment of winter traditions, performed by Folk group „Dumbrăvița".

At the end of the show the children received gifts from Santa Claus.

Musical literary show „We are here to carol!”

#Exhibit of the Month

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

Musical literary show „We are here to carol!”

December 23rd, 2015

#Exhibit of the Month