#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 Exhibition "And They Saw the Voices..."

October 10, 2024

On October 10, the opening of the exhibition "And They Saw the Voices..." took place in the lobby of the National Museum of History of Moldova, bringing together representatives of the accredited diplomatic corps in Moldova, Jewish organizations, and representatives from other museums and institutions in the country. This event was dedicated to discussions about the tragedies of October 7, 2023, and the vital role of art in the emotional healing process.

The exhibition featured 30 drawings created by children evacuated from Ashkelon, who found solace in art therapy after the bombings on October 7, 2023. These works reflected not only the trauma experienced but also the power of regeneration and the hope found in the creative process.

The ceremony was opened by Irina Șihova, the director of the Jewish History Museum, who emphasized: "This is not a political statement, but a story about trauma, art, and healing."

Additionally, Chief Rabbi Pinchas Zalțman paid tribute to the exhibition, highlighting its importance in promoting community cohesion through art. He noted that in times of hardship and suffering, art becomes a common language that can transcend cultural and religious barriers, bringing people together to share experiences and emotions.

Vladimir Boroda, director of the MAALOT Association, stated: "This exhibition demonstrates how art can unite different perspectives, transforming suffering into beauty."

Throughout the event, the art teacher discussed the importance of art in the healing process, presenting the exhibited works and sharing the stories behind them. Among these were the drawing "Boom" by 10-year-old Aviv Shilo, which conveys a powerful message of hope, and the piece "Dance of Death" by student Filip Beleavschi, exploring themes of death and loss. Another notable work, "The Sounds of Sirens and Rockets," addressed the traumatic effects of conflicts, prompting viewers to reflect on the impact of these experiences.

Each drawing offered a window into the emotional world of these young artists, highlighting the significance of art as a form of expression and healing.

This exhibition became a space for meeting and dialogue, where compassion and empathy were essential, providing a unique opportunity to explore how art can unite communities and support the emotional healing process.

The exhibition is open until October 20, 2024, inviting the public to explore and reflect on the messages conveyed through art.