#Exhibit of the Month

The artifact is a battle axe made from magmatic rock (diabase) of gray-brown color. It was accidentally discovered in 1966 within the territory of Aluniș village, Rîșcani district. Based on its morphological characteristics, the artifact can be attributed to the Catacomb culture (29th-22nd centuries BCE).

The axe features a massive, elongated naviform body with slightly pronounced shoulders, a short and narrow edge that is flat and circular in cross-section. The blade is slightly curved. The hole was drilled in the maximum width of the object. It is circular in shape with a diameter of 2.2 cm. The surface of the artifact is meticulously polished, worked with great care, and shows no signs of damage or chipping.

Dimensions: Length: 20.0 cm; Maximum width: 8.4 cm; Edge diameter: 5.0 cm; Blade width: 7.0 cm; Weight: 2.3 kg.

Stone battle axes are characteristic of the Catacomb culture communities and are most often found as grave goods, deposited in tombs. Their presence in funerary complexes suggests a multifaceted functionality: weapons, social symbols, and ritual objects. Initially used as weapons, the axes became social symbols for their owners, later acquiring votive significance when deposited in tombs to serve the deceased in the afterlife.

The social symbolic function of stone battle axes is indicated by the high-quality rocks used for their manufacture and the exceptionally meticulous craftsmanship. The large dimensions of the axe from Aluniș support this hypothesis and distinguish it from other examples.

The discovery of stone battle axes outside a funerary complex may indicate their votive deposition. It is difficult to imagine that these exceptionally well-crafted pieces, made from high-quality rocks transported over great distances, could have been abandoned or lost accidentally. It is far more likely that they were deposited for magical-religious purposes, a possibility that may also apply to the stone axe discovered at Aluniș.

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Events Archive

National Anthem Day of Romania in the Republic of Moldova

July 28, 2024

On July 28, 2024, the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted an exceptional cultural event titled "The National Anthem, Symbol of Romanian Unity" - the second edition, organized by the YUFest Association. This outdoor opera concert transformed the museum's courtyard into a spectacular stage, bringing together three renowned tenors from Iași: Florin Guzgă, Andrei Apreotesei, and Andrei Fermeșanu. Accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra of "Teleradio Moldova" under the baton of conductor Andrei Zapșa, these artists delivered an unforgettable recital, capturing the audience's attention and emotions with their outstanding performances.

The event was further enriched by other remarkable artistic moments. The model Orchestra of the General Inspectorate of Carabinieri under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova showcased a performance full of vigor and skill, while the CAPRICCIO Children's Choir, led by Mrs. Elena Marian, brought a touch of innocence and purity through the young, talented voices of the youngest artists present. These elements completed a complex spectacle that blended tradition with talent, creating an atmosphere of celebration of Romanian culture and unity.

The event was graced by distinguished guests who emphasized the cultural and symbolic importance of this concert. Historian and university professor Adrian Cioroianu, known for his involvement in promoting Romanian cultural values, was among those who expressed their appreciation for this event's initiative. Additionally, the Mayor of Iași, Mihai Chirică, attended the event, further strengthening the cultural and friendly ties between Iași and Chișinău, two cities that share a common history and a valuable cultural heritage. The presence of these personalities highlighted the significance of the moment and reinforced the message of unity and cultural collaboration between the two Romanian states.

The Minister of Culture, Sergiu Prodan, was also present at the event, underlining the importance of this concert within the context of Chișinău's cultural summer. He emphasized the valuable contribution of the voices from the Iași Opera, stating that the performance is an integral part of the project "The National Anthem, Symbol of Romanian Unity." The Minister highlighted that this concert pays homage to the national anthems of Romania and the Republic of Moldova, symbols of our shared values, history, and identity. In his speech, Sergiu Prodan mentioned that such events are essential for strengthening the cultural ties between the two states and for promoting a common European future based on values of peace, development, and culture.