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Buckles (paftale) are an almost indispensable element of traditional women's dress in the Southeastern European area, particularly in the Balkans, and have been in use over a long period, from the 14th to the 20th century.
The word pafta is of Turkic origin-possibly entering the language via Iranian influence-derived from the Persian word bafta, meaning "woven," which evolved in Turkish to signify "plate." Today, the term is used in nearly identical forms in Romanian (pafta), Bulgarian (пафта), Serbian (пафте), and some Aromanian dialects (pafta), designating functional and ornamental clothing accessories used to fasten belts, girdles, or sashes, crafted from various materials and decorated using different techniques.
The three buckles decorated in the polychrome enamel technique, preserved in the collection of the National Museum of History of Moldova, belong to the South-Danubian tradition and are dated to the late 19th - early 20th century.

Each buckle consists of two identical trapezoidal parts, their surfaces divided into three roughly equal registers, adorned with stylized vegetal motifs forming a metal lattice into which enamel is poured. The two parts extend into sharp angles at the ends, forming a triangle with the edge of the last decorative register, similarly ornamented. The enamel used to fill the floral motifs is black, turquoise, white, orange, green, yellow, and burgundy. The entire decorative field is framed by a beaded border.

On the reverse, both components retain a copper band riveted along the edge, used to fasten the ends of the belt. The fastening system, made by interlocking the hinges of the two parts and secured with a movable pin attached by a chain to a clasp fixed on one of the buckle pieces, is concealed by a rectangular plate (riveted with three pins to the body of the piece), with narrow edges ending in sharp angles, decorated in the same style and technique. Additionally, it features three circular settings with notched edges bent inward to hold centrally placed red and green glass paste. These settings are framed by a radiant, notched band.

The symbolism of the color palette encodes meanings and symbols, chosen for their believed magical powers. Red has always represented love, affection, and protection against curses and the evil eye; white symbolizes purity and spiritual and physical cleanliness; blue is symbolically associated with infinity, morning, new beginnings, and transformation; green represents destiny, hope, prosperity, balance, and rebirth, being linked to nature's revival each spring and to life itself.

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Opening of the photographic art exhibition "Impressions of India"

June 4, 2024

On June 4, at the National Museum of History of Moldova, the opening of the photographic art exhibition "Impressions from India" by the artist Paul Bock (USA), organized by the International Association "Euro Photo Art" from Oradea (AIEFA) took place.

This exhibition, organized under the auspices of the International Federation of Photographic Art recognized by UNESCO, in collaboration with the National Museum of History of Moldova, the Embassy of India in Romania and the Republic of Moldova, and Summit Agro Romania, part of the Japanese Corporation "Sumitomo", supporter of agriculture and of art, presents a selection of 50 large photographs taken by Paul Bock, originally from Oradea and AIEFA member. The photos were captured during a trip to India in the year 2022.

The General Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Ana Varzari, the former Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Natalia Gavriliță, the Deputy Mayor of Chisinau, Angela Cutasevici, the Ambassador of India to Romania, the Republic of Moldova and Albania, Rahul Shrivastava, the curator of the exhibition, the photographer Ștefan Tóth István, the president of AFIAP, ESFIAP, and representatives of the Summit Agro Company from Romania, the Republic of Moldova, Bulgaria and Adria.

The general director of NMHM, Eugen Sava, stated that this is the first thematic exhibition dedicated to India hosted by the National Museum of History of Moldova. "For the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, India is an enigma, and through this exhibition, supported by the Embassy of India, we have the opportunity to discover this country with a rich history. This is proof of the international collaboration between our countries".

Ana Varzari, General Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, emphasized that the "Impressions of India" exhibition is not just a simple collection of photographs. "These impressive images provide a window into a millennia-old civilization, India's tourist attractions and beauties, its daily life and culture. Last year, the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova was opened in New Delhi, which we hope will become a catalyst for bilateral projects. We hope this exhibition will help our citizens to know India better."

India's Ambassador to Romania, Republic of Moldova and Albania, Rahul Shrivastava, highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy and cultural relations between the two countries, thanking the National History Museum of Moldova for hosting the exhibition.

During the event, the photo album "Impressions from India" by Paul Bock was launched, made with the financial support of the Embassy of India in Romania and published by "Euro Foto Art" Publishing House. Viola artist Thurzó Sándor József from Oradea performed several pieces from the Indian repertoire, including "Poor Heart" by A.R. Rahman, 'Fire in Poroshmoni City' by R. Tagore, 'I Still Want You' by Mithoon and 'Sare Jahan Se Acha' by Suhale Mazoor.

The photographic art exhibition "Impressions from India" can be seen until June 30, in the hall on the ground floor of the National Museum of History of Moldova, Chisinau, str. 31 August 1989, 121A.

 
 


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#Exhibit of the Month
Buckles (paftale) are an almost indispensable element of traditional women's dress in the Southeastern European area, particularly in the Balkans, and have been in use over a long period, from the 14th to the 20th century....

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The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
©2006-2025 National Museum of History of Moldova
Visit museum 31 August 1989 St., 121 A, MD 2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Phones:
 Secretariat: +373 (22) 24-43-25
Department of Public Relations and Museum Education: +373 (22) 24-04-26
Fax: +373 (22) 24-43-69
E-mail: office@nationalmuseum.md
Technical Support: info@nationalmuseum.md
 Web site administration and maintenance: Andrei EMILCIUC

 

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The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
©2006-2025 National Museum of History of Moldova
Visit museum 31 August 1989 St., 121 A, MD 2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Phones:
 Secretariat: +373 (22) 24-43-25
Department of Public Relations and Museum Education: +373 (22) 24-04-26
Fax: +373 (22) 24-43-69
E-mail: office@nationalmuseum.md
Technical Support: info@nationalmuseum.md
 Web site administration and maintenance: Andrei EMILCIUC

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The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
©2006-2025 National Museum of History of Moldova
Visit museum 31 August 1989 St., 121 A, MD 2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Phones:
 Secretariat: +373 (22) 24-43-25
Department of Public Relations and Museum Education: +373 (22) 24-04-26
Fax: +373 (22) 24-43-69
E-mail: office@nationalmuseum.md
Technical Support: info@nationalmuseum.md
 Web site administration and maintenance: Andrei EMILCIUC