#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

The archaeological workshop "EU4Dialogue: Archaeology"

4-6 June, 2024

At the National Museum of History of Moldova (NMHM), between June 4-6, the archaeological workshop "EU4Dialogue: Archaeology" took place, a scientific event that brought together archaeologists from the Republic of Moldova, Germany, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Romania, with the aim to address topics in the field of archaeology, cultural-historical heritage, but also about the way to connect archeology with the technologies of the future, creating a digital register of archaeological sites in Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and the Republic of Moldova.

The opening event took place in the Blue Hall of NMHM. At the official opening of the Workshop, welcoming words were presented by the General Director of NMHM, dr. hab. Eugen Sava, Director of the Eurasia Department of the German Institute of Archeology Prof. Dr.hab. Svend Hansen State Secretary of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova Ion Budeci, General Scientific Secretary of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova dr. hab. Liliana Condraticova, who noted the international importance of the scientific event organized in Chisinau.

For the substantial contributions in the research activity in the field of archeology and for the effective collaboration with the academic environment of the Republic of Moldova, Mr. Prof. Dr.hab. Svend Hansen was awarded the "Dimitrie Cantemir" medal from the Academy of Sciences of Moldova.

The scientific communications within the Archaeological Workshop "EU4Dialogue: Archaeology" took place in the Conference Hall of NMHM, where over two days, several communications were presented, with reference to various aspects of the research and safeguarding of archaeological sites in Europe East and Caucasus. The presentations covered a wide range of topics, from the inventory and management of archaeological sites to their evaluation and excavation. A special emphasis was placed on the development and use of electronic databases for archaeological sites in Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and the Republic of Moldova. Also, issues related to access to maps and digital data essential for specialists in the field were discussed, highlighting technological developments and their impact on archaeological research. Thus, the event offered a comprehensive perspective on the progress and challenges in the field of archeology but also on the need to create a common database of archaeological sites.

The event was organized by the Göthe-Institut Georgia branch, the Eurasia Department of the German Institute of Archeology and the National Museum of History of Moldova with the support of the European Union.

#Exhibit of the Month

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

The archaeological workshop "EU4Dialogue: Archaeology"

4-6 June, 2024

#Exhibit of the Month