#Exhibit of the Month

This clay vessel was discovered in 1982 by archaeologist V. Sorochin during excavations of a burial mound (no. 1) located in the village of Speia, Dubăsari District. It originates from grave no. 5 and is dated to the 4th millennium BC, belonging to the Usatovo culture.
The vessel was found in a child's grave. The burial pit had an oval shape, and the deceased was laid in a crouched position (similar to the fetal posture), on the left side. A total of five vessels were uncovered in this grave: three near the back, one at the feet, and one in the pelvic area.
The cultural attribution of this funerary complex was determined based on the burial rite and grave goods. This culture is characterized by the specific construction of the burial pit, as well as the positioning and orientation of the deceased toward the east and northeast.

The vessel is shaped from clay mixed with finely crushed shell. Its walls curve gradually toward the top, with the widest diameter at the shoulder area. It has a short neck, a slightly flared rim, and a flat base. The surface is carefully polished, in some areas to a lustrous finish. The interior is reddish-brown, while the exterior is yellowish-brown with gray spots. The rim features groups of perforations, three of which are preserved in their original state. The diameter of the holes is 0.35 cm. The space between the groups of perforations is decorated with cord impressions. The transition from the neck to the shoulder is adorned with three horizontal lines made with cord, from which, in five places, three vertical lines descend, each 5 cm long, executed using the same technique. At the time of discovery, these lines were filled with a white paste. The space between the groups of lines is decorated at the top with short vertical lines (0.5 cm long), and in the center with a meander ornament made of two parallel lines impressed with cord. The base of the vessel retains the imprint of a textile.
Vessel dimensions: Height: 22 cm; Rim diameter: 15.7 cm; Maximum diameter: 22 cm; Base diameter: 10 cm.

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Events Archive

The 12th Edition of the Heraldic Symposium

27 April 2018

On the Day of the State Flag of the Republic of Moldova, the day we also celebrate the state coat of arms of our country, the Society of Genealogy, Heraldry and Archives "Paul Gore", in a traditional partnership with the National Heraldry Commission by the President of the Republic of Moldova and the National Museum of History of Moldova organized the 12th Heraldic Symposium in the conference room of the museum, which was attended by around thirty scholars from the scientific community of Chișinău.

After the play of the Moldovan State Anthem and of the "Three Colors" (Ion Aldea-Teodorovici - Grigore Vieru), the opening speech was given by Silviu Tabac, President of the "Paul Gore" Society, followed by greeting messages by Corneliu Popovici, president of the National Heraldic Commission and by Elena Ploşnita, scientific secretary of the National Museum of History of Moldova.

With moderators Mariana Şlapac and Silviu Tabac, the symposium included the presentation of eight scientific papers. The first two speakers (Silviu Tabac and Vlad Mischevca) referred to the vexilology of Ștefan cel Mare. The next two participants (Ana Boldureanu and Adelaida Chiroşca) made a contribution in the field of sigilography presenting the leads in the collection of the National Museum of History of Moldova and two Basarabian ecclesiastical seals of the modern age respectively. Tudor-Radu Tiron (Bucharest) made a presentation about phaleristics in "An ephemeral Romanian distinction: The Medal for Life" (1953-1958)".

Nicolae Schițco remembered the events and the concrete conditions that led to the creation of the National Heraldic Commission. From the field of political hymnology, Diana Nicoglo spoke about the "Elements of ethnic identification in the text of the Gagauz Autonomous Territorial Unity". Finally, the representative of the National Bank of Moldova, Corneliu Melnic, presented the new metal coins introduced into circulation in the Republic of Moldova.

The works were conducted in a scientific atmosphere, rising questions, comments and collegial debates related to the discussed topics. Mass media support was provided by Nicolae Becciu, reporter at Radio-Moldova, and by the television channel "Accent-TV".

#Exhibit of the Month

Clay Vessel discovered in Speia Village, Dubăsari District

The 12th Edition of the Heraldic Symposium

27 April 2018

#Exhibit of the Month