#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

Opening of the "Daniel Rădulescu in Chisinau" exhibition

November 29, 2023

On November 29, a remarkable exhibition supported by the artist Daniel Rădulescu was opened at the National Museum of History of Moldova. The event was organized as part of the celebration of Romania's National Day and represented a unique opportunity for the public in Chisinau to discover the fascinating universe of his sculptures made entirely of steel.

At the opening moderated by the General Director of NMHM, dr. hab Eugen Sava, Romanian Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova Cristian-Leon Turcanu and Adrian Dupu, Secretary of State, Department for Relations with the Republic of Moldova, participated with speeches. They emphasized the cultural and artistic importance of the event, highlighting the significant contribution of the artist Daniel Rădulescu to the contemporary artistic landscape.

Daniel Rădulescu, recognized as the most collected artist working in steel in Romania, presented his 8 emblematic works in the Bronze Hall of the National Museum of History of Moldova. His creations, made by hand modeling without the use of molds or forms, captivated the audience present, offering a unique insight into the hardness and fluidity of metal.

The artist shared with those in attendance that through this exhibit, he wants to instill empathy and challenge viewers to see beyond a hard material like steel.

The exhibition, held between November 29 and December 20, 2023, offers the public in Chisinau the opportunity to admire these remarkable works of art. On this occasion, the National Museum of History of Moldova reaffirms its commitment to promote and support contemporary art, offering a valuable platform to talented artists.

We thank everyone present and warmly invite you to visit the exhibition and enjoy Daniel Rădulescu's unique creations!