#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

Round table "Archaeologist Emanuil RIKMAN - 100 years since his birth"

April 13, 2023

On April 13, the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted the round table "Archaeologist Emanuil RIKMAN - 100 years since his birth", organized by the Archeology Sector of the museum in partnership with the Faculty of History and Philosophy of the State University of Moldova and National Archaeological Agency.

The event was organized within the project "Museum heritage and historical memory: research, interpretation, presentation" (number 20.80009.0807.43), financed by the State Program (2020-2023) and aimed to bring the scientific work to the fore of archaeologist Emanuil Rikman and to mark the 100th anniversary of his birth.

The event was opened by dr. hab Eugen Sava, General Director NMHM. The round table was attended by numerous specialists in the field of archeology and ancient history, as well as enthusiasts of these subjects, who followed with interest the communications presented by the special guests.

Among them were dr. hab., prof. univ. Gheorghe Postică, who spoke about the scientific legacy of the scientist Emanuil A. Rikman, dr. Sergiu Matveev, who presented the archaeological sites of Emanuil Rikman in the North of the Republic of Moldova, the excavations at Sobari, dr. Vlad Vornic, who discussed the archaeological sites of Emanuil Rikman in the central and southern areas of the Republic of Moldova, the excavations at Budești and Costești, as well as dr. assoc. prof. Ion Tentiuc, who presented the archaeological collections of Emanuil Rikman from the funds of the National Museum of History of Moldova.

The round table ended with discussions and evocations about Emanuil Rikman and with the inauguration in the upstairs hall of an exhibition dedicated to the archaeologist Emanuil Rikman, which will be open for visits from April 13 to May 24, 2023, in the upper hall of the National Museum of History of Moldova, str. 31 August 1989, 121A.

This scientific event once again demonstrated the importance of research, interpretation and presentation of cultural and historical heritage and represented an excellent opportunity to reflect on Emanuil Rikman's contribution to the development of archeology and ancient history in the Republic of Moldova.