#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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Events Archive

Opening of the exhibition "Bessarabian Bulgarians and the Liberation of Bulgaria"

March 4, 2023

On March 4, 2023, in the hall of the House of Culture of the city of Taraclia, was opened the photo-documentary exhibition "Bessarabian Bulgarians and the Liberation of Bulgaria", dedicated to the 145 years since the liberation of Bulgaria from the domination of the Ottoman Empire.

During the exhibition launch event, the vice-president of the Taraclia district, Mr. Alexandru Borimecicov, emphasized the importance of the exhibition and it must to be sent to all educational institutions in the Taraclia district to popularize knowledge about the Bessarabian Bulgarians, who participated in the Liberation of the Motherland their history. Also, Mr. Borimecicov mentioned that in autumn, the exhibition will be sent to Bulgaria, where it will be temporarily exhibited in the Presidency and Parliament of the Republic of Bulgaria.

The General Director of the National Museum of History of Moldova, dr. hab. Eugen Sava reiterated NMHM's openness to the initiative of the Taraclia District Council and the Scientific Society of Bulgarians from the Republic of Moldova to jointly organize this exhibition. The exhibition includes documents and photographs from the NMHM funds, and the purpose of the museum, as a cultural, scientific and educational institution, is to promote historical values and present them to the general public objectively.

The Consul of the Republic of Bulgaria in Taraclia, Mr. Liubomir Dimov, congratulated everyone present on the National Day of Bulgaria. Mr. Dimov thanked the National Museum of History of Moldova for the fruitful collaboration with Bulgarian scientific and cultural public organizations from the Republic of Moldova and expressed his desire to personally visit the National Museum of History of Moldova to see the originals of some objects, which are related to the history of Bulgaria and Moldovan-Bulgarian cultural relations.

The President of the Scientific Society of Bulgarians from the Republic of Moldova dr. hab. Ivan Duminica pointed out the practical value of the exhibition, which will be used as course support for the subject of studies "History, tradition and culture of the Bulgarian people", which is taught in schools in the Taraclia district.

Toward the end of the event, Mrs. Maria Evdochimova, NMHM museographer, presented the exhibition to the audience, telling in the smallest details about the images, documents and objects present on the exhibition banners. Ms. Evdochimova reviewed the events that led to the liberation of Bulgaria and reported on the Bessarabian Bulgarians who participated in these processes.

As a sign of gratitude, for the realization of this exhibition, the vice-president of the Taraclia district, Mr. Alexandru Borimecicov, awarded diplomas of honor to the NMHM team, represented by Mr. Eugen Sava, General Director, Mrs. Livia Sîrbu, Deputy Director for Communication, Mrs. Maria Evdochimova, museographer, Sorin Șclearuc, main specialist in communication, and Mr. Ivan Duminică, President of the Scientific Society of Bulgarians from the Republic of Moldova.