#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 "Postcards from Ukraine"

February 26, 2024

On February 26, the "Postcards from Ukraine" exhibition was opened at the National Museum of History of Moldova.

During the event, the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Moldova, Sergiu Prodan, the NMHM deputy director, Livia Ermurachi, the representative of the Embassy of Ukraine in Chisinau, Natalia Sirenco, and the director of AO "Progressive Community", Diana Dereveanco, participated with speeches.

The exhibition includes 22 plates - postcards, each telling the history of an architectural monument located in different regions of Ukraine, before and after its destruction or damage. The works are part of the international exhibition "Symbol of the Victory of Ukraine", a project that documents and presents the destruction caused by missile attacks and bombings on Ukrainian cultural heritage. Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, multiple historical and architectural monuments are attacked and destroyed daily and archeology of Ukraine. Russian military forces cynically and mercilessly target museums, monuments, universities, cinemas, launch rockets at churches, cathedrals, television towers and other edifices. The Russian army not only devastates Ukrainian cities and villages, but destroys systematically and Ukrainian cultural heritage.

The exhibition "Postcards from Ukraine" is organized by the "Progressive community" Association, in collaboration with the National Museum of History of Moldova and with the support of the National Library of the Republic of Moldova, dedicated to the commemoration of two years since the start of the Russian aggression in Ukraine.

The "Postcards from Ukraine" exhibition can be visited until March 15, 2024, in the upstairs hall of the National Museum of History of Moldova, 31 August 1989 street, 121A.

#Exhibit of the Month

Glass Goblet from the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov Cemetery (4th Century AD) in Tigheci

Opening of the exhibition "Postcards from Ukraine"

February 26, 2024

#Exhibit of the Month