#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

Summer camp at the museum

August 15-26, 2022

Between August 15-26, 2022, the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted the day camp organized by the "Chabad Lubavitch" Jewish community in partnership with the museum.

The program of the camp was a complex one, based on activities dedicated to the knowledge of Jewish history and traditions, such as workshops, excursions, watching films and other interactive games. The camp was attended by 30 Jewish children from Chisinau and Ukraine, coordinated by educators from Israel.

From the very first day, the children got to know the museum, taking a guided tour of the exhibition halls. They got to know the museum and the history of the Republic of Moldova. Many children visited the museum for the first time, especially refugee children from Ukraine. This was a great opportunity to familiarize themselves with both the host institution and the history of the Republic of Moldova, from ancient times to the present. Also, several workshops offered by the museum guides were organized for them - „History and the Art of Writing" and „Secrets of Prehistoric Ceramics". Thus, the children allowed themselves to be captured by the enigmas of history, learned the secrets of pottery modeling and wrote down their history in ink on parchment at the museum.

For the children it was a real adventure! The parents were also impressed. They thanked the organizers and everyone involved. One of the mothers described the summer camp at the museum as „...a rare combination of a fun and a useful way to end to summer vacation!".

During the 2 weeks, the children learned about their roots, about the country they live in and about the traditions of the Jewish people. The summer camp at the museum ended with a concert for parents, where the children showed what they learned these days, sang songs in Hebrew, read prayers, received gifts from the synagogue and took a group photo, which over the years they will become memorable memories.

The National Museum of History of Moldova is delighted to be the partner of such events and promotes activities aimed at children, because children are the future, and the future must know its history and perpetuate traditions!

#Exhibit of the Month

Glass Goblet from the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov Cemetery (4th Century AD) in Tigheci

Summer camp at the museum

August 15-26, 2022

#Exhibit of the Month