#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

Events Archive

National Anthem Day of Romania in the Republic of Moldova

July 28, 2023

The YUFest association organized for the first time, in Chisinau, the event "National Anthem Day of Romania in the Republic of Moldova". The event took place on Friday, July 28, 2023, in the premises of the National Museum of History of Moldova and gathered guests from both countries to celebrate the common Romanian identity.

The event started with a press conference in the Great Union Hall, where notable speakers were present, including Andrei Fermeșanu, manager and soloist of the Romanian National Opera in Iasi, Prof. Univ. Dr. Adrian Cioroianu, General Manager of the National Library of Romania, Livia Sîrbu, Deputy Director of the National Museum of History of Moldova and Lia Anton, president of the YUFest Association, organizer of the event. They discussed the importance of the national anthem in preserving and promoting the Romanian identity in the Republic of Moldova and emphasized the role of the event in strengthening the ties between the two countries.

After the press conference, the participants had the opportunity to enjoy a unique concert performed by "Corul Marii Uniri", a male choral ensemble from Iași, led by maestro Andrei Fermeșanu. The concert repertoire included historical songs that have served as Romania's national anthem for decades, such as "Triumphal March and Reception of the Flag and His Majesty the Reigning Prince" (1862), "Long Live the King" (1884), "Shackles Broken" (1948), "We glorify you, Romania" (1953), "Three colors" (1977) and "Wake up Romanians!" (1991-present). The audience enjoyed the emotional interpretation of these musical pieces that have a special symbolic and patriotic charge.

The event ended with a reception, where guests had the opportunity to taste local wines and continue the dialogue in a pleasant and friendly atmosphere. The participants appreciated the efforts of the YUFest Association in organizing this memorable event and expressed the hope that such cultural events will continue to contribute to strengthening the relations between Romania and the Republic of Moldova.

The event is organized by the YUFest Association and financially supported by the Department for Relations with the Republic of Moldova, within the project "The national anthem, the symbol of Romanian unity!", with the aim of preserving, developing and affirming the ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic identities of the Romanians in the Republic Moldova, as well as strengthening ties between Romania and the Republic of Moldova.