#Exhibit of the Month

The artifact is a battle axe made from magmatic rock (diabase) of gray-brown color. It was accidentally discovered in 1966 within the territory of Aluniș village, Rîșcani district. Based on its morphological characteristics, the artifact can be attributed to the Catacomb culture (29th-22nd centuries BCE).

The axe features a massive, elongated naviform body with slightly pronounced shoulders, a short and narrow edge that is flat and circular in cross-section. The blade is slightly curved. The hole was drilled in the maximum width of the object. It is circular in shape with a diameter of 2.2 cm. The surface of the artifact is meticulously polished, worked with great care, and shows no signs of damage or chipping.

Dimensions: Length: 20.0 cm; Maximum width: 8.4 cm; Edge diameter: 5.0 cm; Blade width: 7.0 cm; Weight: 2.3 kg.

Stone battle axes are characteristic of the Catacomb culture communities and are most often found as grave goods, deposited in tombs. Their presence in funerary complexes suggests a multifaceted functionality: weapons, social symbols, and ritual objects. Initially used as weapons, the axes became social symbols for their owners, later acquiring votive significance when deposited in tombs to serve the deceased in the afterlife.

The social symbolic function of stone battle axes is indicated by the high-quality rocks used for their manufacture and the exceptionally meticulous craftsmanship. The large dimensions of the axe from Aluniș support this hypothesis and distinguish it from other examples.

The discovery of stone battle axes outside a funerary complex may indicate their votive deposition. It is difficult to imagine that these exceptionally well-crafted pieces, made from high-quality rocks transported over great distances, could have been abandoned or lost accidentally. It is far more likely that they were deposited for magical-religious purposes, a possibility that may also apply to the stone axe discovered at Aluniș.

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Opening of the Exhibition "The Story of a Painting"

October 22, 2024

On October 22, 2024, at the National Museum of History of Moldova, the opening of the exhibition "History of a painting" signed by the artist Ghenadie Jalbă took place. The exhibition, dedicated to the commemoration of 520 years since the death of Stephen the Great, brought to the public's attention a deep exploration of the creation process of the work "Battle of Lipnic", highlighting the stages of development and the meanings that accompany it.

The President of the Union of Visual Artists from the Republic of Moldova, Mrs. Florina Breazu, emphasized the exceptional contribution of the artist to the national cultural landscape. You highlighted the fact that Mr. Jalbă's works are more than simple visual creations, they are specific "windows to the soul," offering viewers a deep introspection on human nature. He also mentioned the chromatic depth and the fineness of the details, which highlight a unique vision of space and time.

The artist Ghenadie Jalbă expressed his sincere gratitude to the organizers and all those present. In his speech, he shared the story behind the central painting of the exhibition, explaining that each detail and sketch in the preparation process symbolizes the pursuit of balance between aesthetic form and philosophical message. "The Story of a Painting," Jalbă explained, "is not just a narrative of technical achievement, but a journey of reflection and inner experiences, a dialogue between thought and image."

The exhibition included the final painting "Ștefan cel Mare at Lipnic" and the sketches that laid the groundwork for its creation, offering the public an intimate glimpse into Ghenadie Jalbă's creative process. Visitors had the opportunity to witness the subtle evolution of ideas from the initial sketches to the final piece, revealing the complexity and finesse of his work. This unique perspective not only deepened the understanding of how art comes to life, but also invited reflection on the nature of art itself, opening a new vision of the world as seen through the eyes of the creator.

The public is invited to discover the exhibition until November 8, 2024, in the second-floor gallery of the museum, where each detail of Ghenadie Jalbă's creation reveals its secrets in a remarkable setting.

#Exhibit of the Month

Stone Battle Axe Discovered at Aluniș, Rîșcani District

Opening of the Exhibition "The Story of a Painting"

October 22, 2024

#Exhibit of the Month