#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.

Virtual Tour

Events Archive

“Refinement and Elegance of the Interwar Period”

September 23, 2023

On Saturday, September 23, 2023, the Association of Guides, Lecturers and Translators of the Republic of Moldova, in partnership with the National Museum of History of Moldova, organized a wonderful event "Refinement and Elegance of the Interwar Period", bringing together more than 30 people with the aim to get familiar with the history of fashion and lifestyle from the beginning of the 20th century.

During the event, a presentation was held, which highlighted the history of fashion, social life, outstanding personalities who influenced the course of fashion - fashion designers, actors, artists, representatives of the aristocracy and other social categories. The presentation was supported by Svetlana Shagova, member of the Association of Guides, Lecturers and Translators of the Republic of Moldova. The special guest was stylist Diana Serezhnikov, who emphasized the importance of approaching such a topic in the room with a unique exhibition dedicated to this topic.

The program continued with the presentation of the colorful collection of beginner designer Ms. Laura Lungu, which perfectly complemented the event. Then the guests visited the temporary exhibition "Fashion and Lifestyle in the 20th Century. From the Clothing Collection of the National Museum of History of Moldova", being guided in the world of fashion by Mrs. Eugenia Golban.

Civil society representatives, tour guides, journalists, graduates of the fashion design faculty and fashion lovers participated in the event.

The history of fashion is more than fashion shows, catwalks and collections, it is part of the everyday life of society and allows us to draw some conclusions regarding the socio-economic, cultural, spiritual development of those who wore these clothes. The National Historical Museum of Moldova sincerely thanks the Association of Guides, Lecturers and Translators of the Republic of Moldova for their cooperation and organization of this unique event.