#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

Scientific Conference "Liturgical Standard of Stephen the Great"

August 25, 2011

The conference highlighted scientific concept of the exhibition "Liturgical Standard of Stephen the Great" (held in Chisinau on August 27 to September 10), addressing the main historical, artistic and conservation issues on the flag. There were presented the following communications:

1) Dr. Ernest Oberländer-Târnoveanu (National Museum of History of Romania, Bucharest). Troubled History of "Discovery" of the Liturgical Standard of Stephen the Great in the Zograf Monastery (Mount Athos);

2) Dr. hab. Paul Parasca (Free International University of Moldova, Chisinau). Saint George - Patron of the Army of the Medieval Moldavian State;

3) Dr. Petre Guran ("Mihai Eminescu" Romanian Cultural Institute in Chisinau). From Standard to Icon: Introduction to the Prayer of Stephen the Great;

4) Acad. Andrei Eșanu, Valentina Eșanu (Institute of History, State and Law of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, Chisinau). Sword of Stephen the Great - a Symbol of Royal Power;

5) Cornel Ilie Constantin (National Museum of History of Romania, Bucharest). 1917-1919: Recovery and Repatriation of the Liturgical Standard of Stephen the Great from Mount Athos;

6) Dr. Silviu Tabac (Institute of Cultural Heritage of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, Chisinau). The Problem of Interpretation in Romanian Historiography of the Flag Given by Stephen the Great to the Zograf Monastery;

7) Dr. Oana Ilie, Alexandra Mărășoiu (National Museum of History of Romania, Bucharest). The 43^rd Year of Stephen the Great's Reign - the Year of Completion of Work on the Liturgical Standard of Zograf Monastery (12 April 1499 - 11 April 1500).

Organizers: Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova, Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of Romania, National Museum of Archaeology and History of Moldova, National Museum of History of Romania and the "Mihai Eminescu" Romanian Cultural Institute.