#Exhibit of the Month

This clay vessel was discovered in 1982 by archaeologist V. Sorochin during excavations of a burial mound (no. 1) located in the village of Speia, Dubăsari District. It originates from grave no. 5 and is dated to the 4th millennium BC, belonging to the Usatovo culture.
The vessel was found in a child's grave. The burial pit had an oval shape, and the deceased was laid in a crouched position (similar to the fetal posture), on the left side. A total of five vessels were uncovered in this grave: three near the back, one at the feet, and one in the pelvic area.
The cultural attribution of this funerary complex was determined based on the burial rite and grave goods. This culture is characterized by the specific construction of the burial pit, as well as the positioning and orientation of the deceased toward the east and northeast.

The vessel is shaped from clay mixed with finely crushed shell. Its walls curve gradually toward the top, with the widest diameter at the shoulder area. It has a short neck, a slightly flared rim, and a flat base. The surface is carefully polished, in some areas to a lustrous finish. The interior is reddish-brown, while the exterior is yellowish-brown with gray spots. The rim features groups of perforations, three of which are preserved in their original state. The diameter of the holes is 0.35 cm. The space between the groups of perforations is decorated with cord impressions. The transition from the neck to the shoulder is adorned with three horizontal lines made with cord, from which, in five places, three vertical lines descend, each 5 cm long, executed using the same technique. At the time of discovery, these lines were filled with a white paste. The space between the groups of lines is decorated at the top with short vertical lines (0.5 cm long), and in the center with a meander ornament made of two parallel lines impressed with cord. The base of the vessel retains the imprint of a textile.
Vessel dimensions: Height: 22 cm; Rim diameter: 15.7 cm; Maximum diameter: 22 cm; Base diameter: 10 cm.

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Opening of the Exhibition "German Colony Emmental – Artistic Reflections"

September 17, 2024

On September 17, 2024, at the National Museum of History of Moldova, the exhibition "German Colony Emmental - Artistic Reflections" was inaugurated. The event brought to the forefront the history of the German settlers in Bessarabia, explored through artworks reflecting the life, traditions, and heritage of this community. The exhibition provided an opportunity to rediscover the deep connection between historical past and artistic present, evoking significant moments from the history of the German community that settled in the region 210 years ago.

On the occasion of the opening, Dr. hab. Eugen Sava, Director of the National Museum of History of Moldova, emphasized the importance of this exhibition in preserving and promoting the historical and cultural heritage of the German settlers in Bessarabia. Veaceslav Repcinschii, director of the Agency for Interethnic Relations, highlighted the German community's contribution to the region's cultural diversity and the importance of cooperation between cultural institutions to keep this heritage alive. Father Dr. Petru Ciobanu brought attention to the historical and cultural dimensions of the German settlers, underscoring the impact of their values on Bessarabia's cultural landscape.

Representing the commune of Pervomaisc, Mrs. Iana Suhan, director of the local cultural center, spoke about the deep connection between the local community and German traditions, providing a brief history of the commune. Museum curator Lucia Marinescu, responsible for organizing the exhibition on behalf of the National Museum of History of Moldova, gave a detailed presentation of the exhibited works, explaining how they capture the essence of life and traditions of the settlers from Emmental.

In her closing remarks, Antonina Casap, the author of the exhibited works, offered an in-depth insight into her artistic process, explaining how personal experiences and her connection to the history of the German community in Bessarabia influenced the creation of this collection. She emphasized that each artwork represents a dialogue between past and present, and the themes addressed, from rural landscapes and specific architecture to portraits of settlers, reflect not only the community's cultural heritage but also her attempt to keep their memory alive.

The exhibition "German Colony Emmental - Artistic Reflections" will remain open to the public until October 9, 2024, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the history of the German community in Bessarabia through the paintings of Antonina Casap.

#Exhibit of the Month

Clay Vessel discovered in Speia Village, Dubăsari District

Opening of the Exhibition "German Colony Emmental – Artistic Reflections"

September 17, 2024

#Exhibit of the Month