#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 "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.