#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 photo exhibition "Building Bridges Among Communities"

September 5, 2023

On September 5, at the National Museum of History of Moldova, was opened the photo exhibition "Building bridges between communities", a window to human connections and empathy through visual histories - a fascinating collection of images made by the participants of the second edition of the National Geographic Photo Camp in Moldova.

At the opening ceremony of the exhibition, Jeff Bryan, Director of the USAID Moldova Mission, and Steven Fisher, the British Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, emphasized the importance of social cohesion and communication, including visual communication, in a modern, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society. Likewise, Eugen Sava, the General Director of the National Museum of History of Moldova, encouraged the young people to continue creating and come up with as many photo collections as possible.

Of course, among the guests of honor at the launch event were the camp participants themselves and the creators of the images exhibited at the museum, who shared their impressions, emotions and experiences during the five days spent at Comrat, in UTA Gagauzia. Some of them held a camera for the first time, others radically changed their vision of what a photo should look like or what their mission in a community is. And most importantly, they all made friendships that continue.

The second edition of the National Geographic photography camp in Moldova took place between May 15-19, 2023, in the town of Comrat. Most of the Gagauz community lives in this region in the south of the country, but also other ethnic groups. The National Geographic Photo Camp was more than an educational experience, it was a platform for social cohesion, understanding and tolerance. Young people from all corners of Moldova, including refugee communities in Ukraine, from diverse ethnic and linguistic backgrounds, met and collaborated in a unique way, together with five international photographers from National Geographic.

The photo exhibition "Building bridges between communities" can be visited until September 19, in Room no. 1 of the National Museum of History of Moldova, 31 August 1989 street, 121A.