#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

Roundtable “Stalinist deportations – a form of political repression”

June 13th, 2016

Monday, June 13, at the National Museum of History of Moldova was organized roundtable "Stalinist deportations - a form of political repressions". The event was dedicated to the commemoration of 75 years since the first wave of soviet deportations from Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina. The meeting was held in the Conference Room on the first floor from 10.00.

At the meeting were discussed various aspects of the way in which the three waves of deportations of Bassarabians were conducted, the categories of people subject to repression, ways of survival in the GULAG, the destiny of Bessarabians after returning to homeland. Based on case studies was described the repression mechanism of Bessarabian peasants in 1946-1947. Special attention was paid to the rehabilitation of victims of deportations and restitution of properties to the families of political prisoners. Intense debates were made around the paper reflecting deportation issues in Moldovan history textbooks.

The round table was attended by dr. Marius Tărîță, Institute of History of the ASM, dr. Nicolae Fuștei, Institute of History of the ASM, researcher Ana Grițco, National Museum of History of Moldova, researcher Vera Serjant, National Museum of History of Moldova, ass. prof. dr. Mariana Ţăranu, National Museum of History of Moldova, ass. prof. dr. Aurelia Felea, State University of Tiraspol from Chișinău, Alexandru Postică, Promo-Lex, lecturer Sergiu Cataraga, State Pedagogical University of Moldova „Ion Creangă".