#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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The 2023 World Press Photo Exhibition Opening

November 15, 2023

For seven years, the public has had the opportunity to learn the stories behind some of the most powerful photographs that mark humanity. The exhibition opened on November 15 at the National Museum of History of Moldova, where the winning photographs of the most prestigious photo competition in the world were presented. The seventh international exhibition “World Press Photo” is organized by the World Press Photo Foundation from the Netherlands in partnership with the Center for Independent Journalism and the Piko Creative Agency, with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Chisinau.

The opening of the World Press Photo Exhibition, traditionally held under the general title “Stories that Matter”, was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Chisinau, journalists, photographers, students and photography enthusiasts.

At the opening, the General Director of the National Museum of History of Moldova Dr. habil, Eugen Sava delivered a welcoming speech, emphasizing the significance of the World Press Photo Exhibition, and especially of the stories, often tragic, behind these photographs. Ms. Maaike Keizer, Deputy Head of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Chisinau, in her speech highly appreciated the fact that for seven years the Moldavian public can enjoy this world-renowned exhibition, emphasizing that an independent press is one of the most important pillars of a democratic society. Also, the coordinator of the World Press Photo Exhibition (Netherlands) Mariana Rettore Baptista gave an online speech in which she emphasized that this competition is intended for professional photographers from all over the world, and every year an independent jury selects the best from all regions of the world. Ms. Nadine Gogu, Executive Director of the Center for Independent Journalism (CJI), spoke about the importance of visual journalism in communication, including online communication, and the role of this exhibition for the Republic of Moldova.

The winning images of the 2023 World Press Photo draw attention to the biggest challenges facing humanity today – documenting the war in Ukraine and its impact on civilians, the historic protests in Iran, the realities of Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, the many aspects of the climate crisis in such countries as Morocco, Australia, Peru, Kazakhstan. At the same time, the contest highlights the importance of press photography throughout the world.

Photography enthusiasts can visit the World Press Photo Exhibition at the National Museum of History of Moldova for the next three weeks, until December 6, 2023.

#Exhibit of the Month

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

The 2023 World Press Photo Exhibition Opening

November 15, 2023

#Exhibit of the Month