#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.

Virtual Tour

Events Archive

Opening of the exhibition Romanian Jewelry Week - Chisinau 2023

18-31 August 2023

On August 18, 2023, the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted the opening of Romanian Jewelry Week, a special edition of the event that marked an important stage in the collaboration between Romania and the Republic of Moldova in the field of contemporary jewelry. This innovative initiative, organized by Assamblage in partnership with NMHM, was made possible thanks to the support of the Romanian Cultural Institute through the Cantemir Program, a program to support cultural projects of international impact.

At the opening of the event, prominent representatives of the cultural and diplomatic community spoke, Eugen Sava, General Director of NMHM, Valentina Buzămurgă, founding member of Assamblage, Cristian-Leon Țurcanu, Ambassador of Romania to the Republic of Moldova, Monica Babuc, Director of the Romanian Cultural Institute at Chisinau and David Sandu, curator of the exhibition.

The National Museum of History of Moldova will host for two weeks an impressive and captivating exhibition in which more than 50 renowned artists and designers from Romania and around the world have brought together exceptional works of jewelry art. This exhibition includes not only the presentation of jewelry, but also special activities such as openings, guided tours, conferences and workshops, all aimed at the general public.

Among the exhibiting artists and designers were international personalities in the field of jewelry, coming from various countries such as Romania, Republic of Moldova, Italy, USA, France, Portugal, Germany, Ukraine and South Korea. Also, two capsule exhibitions organized by Slovenian Jewelry Week and Legnica Silver Festival in Poland added value to the event, offering a wider perspective on contemporary jewelry creation.

The event was possible thanks to the joint effort of the organizers, Assamblage and the National History Museum of Moldova, and financial support from the Romanian Cultural Institute through the Cantemir Program.

Special thanks to the media partners for their support in promoting the event: Radio Guerilla, Aici a Stat, Curatorialist, Curatorial.ro, Dreamingof.net, Designist.ro, ELLE, Empower Artists, Feeder.ro, Festivalier, Igloo, IQAds, Lost in Jewelry Magazine, Femeia, Modernism.ro, Revista Atelierul, Revista Golan, The PR Station, The Institute, Zeppelin, Zile și Nopți, Călătorii cu Gust și TVR Moldova.