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#Exhibit of the Month
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The artifact is a battle axe made from magmatic rock (diabase) of gray-brown color. It was accidentally discovered in 1966 within the territory of Aluniș village, Rîșcani district. Based on its morphological characteristics, the artifact can be attributed to the Catacomb culture (29th-22nd centuries BCE).

The axe features a massive, elongated naviform body with slightly pronounced shoulders, a short and narrow edge that is flat and circular in cross-section. The blade is slightly curved. The hole was drilled in the maximum width of the object. It is circular in shape with a diameter of 2.2 cm. The surface of the artifact is meticulously polished, worked with great care, and shows no signs of damage or chipping.

Dimensions: Length: 20.0 cm; Maximum width: 8.4 cm; Edge diameter: 5.0 cm; Blade width: 7.0 cm; Weight: 2.3 kg.

Stone battle axes are characteristic of the Catacomb culture communities and are most often found as grave goods, deposited in tombs. Their presence in funerary complexes suggests a multifaceted functionality: weapons, social symbols, and ritual objects. Initially used as weapons, the axes became social symbols for their owners, later acquiring votive significance when deposited in tombs to serve the deceased in the afterlife.

The social symbolic function of stone battle axes is indicated by the high-quality rocks used for their manufacture and the exceptionally meticulous craftsmanship. The large dimensions of the axe from Aluniș support this hypothesis and distinguish it from other examples.

The discovery of stone battle axes outside a funerary complex may indicate their votive deposition. It is difficult to imagine that these exceptionally well-crafted pieces, made from high-quality rocks transported over great distances, could have been abandoned or lost accidentally. It is far more likely that they were deposited for magical-religious purposes, a possibility that may also apply to the stone axe discovered at Aluniș.

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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.

 
 


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#Exhibit of the Month
The artifact is a battle axe made from magmatic rock (diabase) of gray-brown color. It was accidentally discovered in 1966 within the territory of Aluniș village, Rîșcani district. Based on its morphological characteristics, the artifact can be attributed to the Catacomb culture (29th-22nd centuries BCE)...

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The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
©2006-2025 National Museum of History of Moldova
Visit museum 31 August 1989 St., 121 A, MD 2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Phones:
 Secretariat: +373 (22) 24-43-25
Department of Public Relations and Museum Education: +373 (22) 24-04-26
Fax: +373 (22) 24-43-69
E-mail: office@nationalmuseum.md
Technical Support: info@nationalmuseum.md
 Web site administration and maintenance: Andrei EMILCIUC

 

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The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
©2006-2025 National Museum of History of Moldova
Visit museum 31 August 1989 St., 121 A, MD 2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Phones:
 Secretariat: +373 (22) 24-43-25
Department of Public Relations and Museum Education: +373 (22) 24-04-26
Fax: +373 (22) 24-43-69
E-mail: office@nationalmuseum.md
Technical Support: info@nationalmuseum.md
 Web site administration and maintenance: Andrei EMILCIUC

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The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
©2006-2025 National Museum of History of Moldova
Visit museum 31 August 1989 St., 121 A, MD 2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Phones:
 Secretariat: +373 (22) 24-43-25
Department of Public Relations and Museum Education: +373 (22) 24-04-26
Fax: +373 (22) 24-43-69
E-mail: office@nationalmuseum.md
Technical Support: info@nationalmuseum.md
 Web site administration and maintenance: Andrei EMILCIUC