#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 "Metamorphoses of energy" by Mari Iurskaya

March 7, 2023

On March 7, 2023, in the ground floor hall of the National Museum of History of Moldova, took place the opening of the painting exhibition " Metamorphoses of energy " by Mari Iurskaya - a talented artist whose paintings inspire and prompts reflection.

The event was moderated by Svetlana Shishkina, who told about the works signed by Mari Iurskaia and invited the audience present to admire and contemplate them.

Livia Sîrbu, Deputy Director of NMHM, greeted the art lovers present at the event and pointed out the fact that this exhibition is opened at a very opportune moment, on the eve of the March 8 holiday, but also with the rebirth of nature and the coming of Spring.

The well-known artist Victor Kuzmenko, present at the opening, noted that from year to year women are asserting themselves more and more in art, and Mari Iurskaya is a shining example of how women can successfully compete in the world art. He also highlighted the memorable subjects of Mari's paintings, which evoke different emotions and feelings in the viewers.

The artist Inga Orehova expressed her opinion about Mari Iurskaya's paintings, emphasizing that they are not only works of art, but also a tool worthy of exploring one's own inner universe. She noted that Mari's works allow the viewer to immerse themselves in the world of their own emotions and feelings, to enjoy the beauty and harmony present in each painting.

the exhibition " Metamorphoses of energy" and the works of Mari Iurskaya received positive reviews from viewers and art experts. It provided bright impressions and a lot of inspiration, becoming a good reason for reflection on the world we live in and the meaning of our existence.

The painting exhibition "Metamorphoses of energy" by the artist Mari Iurskaya can be visited between March 7-19, 2023, in the ground floor hall of the National History Museum of Moldova, str. 31 August 1989, 121A.