#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 “Show Me Your Pain” Vol. III

October 21, 2024

On October 21, 2024, in the context of the European Day against pain, the National History Museum of Moldova hosted the opening of the exhibition "Show Me Your Pain," the result of a unique performance conducted during a scientific seminar in Salzburg, Austria, earlier this year. The project randomly paired eight volunteers with eight artists, each volunteer completing a detailed questionnaire that included demographic data, pain intensity scores, and comparisons of pain with basic sensory experiences.

The ceremony was held in English, being opened by Iana Burmistr, president of the Society for the study and combat of pain, presenting the other artists involved in the project.

In private sessions, the artists met with the volunteers to discuss anything except pain, with the pain descriptors extracted exclusively from the completed questionnaires. The exhibition brought together the resulting paintings, offering a visual interpretation of pain through the sensory experiences described by the volunteers.

Visitors were invited to experience these pains through a collection of unique artworks, each reflecting the artist's interpretation of the volunteer's pain. This included opportunities to touch and taste pain, inviting the audience to connect emotionally and sensorially with the displayed works. The original paintings, held by the artists, were accompanied by digital copies that were nearly identical in size to the originals, providing a rare opportunity to contemplate the complexity of human pain.

This event was carried out by the Moldovan Society for the Study and Combat of Pain in partnership with Art Forum Salzburg, the WHO and the US Government, as part of a wider pain awareness campaign aimed at encouraging open discussions about pain experiences, promoting thus empathy and a better understanding of pain management.

The exhibition "Show Me Your Pain" explored the interaction between pain and color perception, highlighting how sensory experiences influence pain perception. This initiative underscored the importance of effective communication in pain management and the relevance of innovative approaches to understanding this complex issue.

The "Show Me Your Pain" exhibition can be visited until November 8, 2024.