#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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Events Archive

Opening of the Exhibition “Wings of the Dream”

October 16, 2024

On October 16, 2024, the National Museum of History of Moldova, in partnership with the "Plaiul Soarelui" Foundation, and "The 'Planet of Charity' Association" opened the solo exhibition of artist Maria Radetskaya, titled "Wings of the Dream." The event took place at 1:00 PM in the ground floor hall of the museum, where 20 works reflecting the artist's distinctive artistic vision were displayed.

The ceremony featured an encouraging speech from Lucia Argint, a representative of the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova, who emphasized the importance of integrating art into education and the profound impact that Maria's creations have on the community, inspiring and educating entire generations.

Maria's colleagues and her art teacher also paid tribute to the artist's talent and dedication, thanking her for her significant contribution to the artistic life of the community. Ludmila Șîșchina, director of the Planet of Charity Association, expressed gratitude for Maria's work, highlighting the essential role of art in promoting empathy and solidarity in society. Participants also extended special thanks to the artist's mother for the support and encouragement provided throughout her artistic journey. These remarks enriched the event with warmth and inspiration, highlighting the interconnection between art and community.

Maria Radetskaya transforms her artistic vision into emotion, transcending conventional boundaries of art. Her works address a variety of themes, from the beauty of nature to the complexity of human emotions, with each piece becoming a story that provokes reflection and introspection. The messages conveyed through her art include nuances of happiness, sadness, nostalgia, and hope.

A special moment of the event was the elegant waltz performed by Maria's colleagues, inspired by her work "The Dance." This initiative underscored the profound interaction between art and movement, celebrating the artist's creation and highlighting the potential of art to connect different forms of artistic expression.

The exhibition will be open to the public until October 30, 2024, providing visitors the opportunity to explore the sensitivity and creativity of Maria Radetskaya.

#Exhibit of the Month

Stone Battle Axe Discovered at Aluniș, Rîșcani District

Opening of the Exhibition “Wings of the Dream”

October 16, 2024

#Exhibit of the Month