#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.

Virtual Tour

Events Archive

The European Night of Museums 2022

„The light gives splendor to the night…” May 14, 2022

On Saturday, May 14, 2022, from 18:00 to 23:00, at the National Museum of History of Moldova, one of the most important events in the life of the world museum community took place - the European Night of Museums, which this year was held under the motto "The light gives splendor to the night...". This is the 18th edition of the event initiated by the French Ministry of Culture, which is currently under the patronage of UNESCO, the Council of Europe and the International Council of Museums (ICOM).

The National Museum of the History of Moldova, in cooperation with our partners, has prepared a rich and full of surprises program for visitors. The evening began with a choreographic show "Dancing on the Edge of Time" performed by students of the Faculty of Choreographic Art of the Academy of Music, Theater and Fine Arts, coordinated by Snejana Apostol. During the evening, three more dance shows were presented in different rooms of the museum, which were meant to invite visitors to learn history through dance, so that "through the dance the history becomes visible". That night, the Blue Room of the museum became the temple of the "Music for Peace". The divine voices of the girls from the "Cantabile" choir of the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova, under the direction of Elena Marian, accompanist Vitalie Mosiiciuc, sounded in a wonderful concert of choral music.

A balm for the soul was the concert of classical music "Discover Classical Music in the Museum" performed by the members of the musical and literary salon "Vine and Lyra". Extraordinary voices of soloists Nicolae Busuioc, People's Artist of the Republic of Moldova; Angela Apti, Honored Artist of the Republic of Moldova, soloist of the Maria Bieșu National Opera and Ballet Theatre; Alexei Digore, soloist of the Maria Bieșu National Opera and Ballet Theatre; Tatiana Gavrilița, laureate of republican and international vocal competitions, brought light, emotions and grandiose resonance to this magical evening at the museum.

The museum courtyard was the place where visitors enjoyed the screening of the film "From the museum's collections", sat on the grass, admired the exhibits and the reconstruction of the Cucuteni culture dwelling, took pictures against the backdrop of the beautifully lit museum building.

During the evening, Cărturești in the Museum offered a series of authors' recitals, with the title "Literary Ambiences", where they highlighted the museum's heritage and perpetuated the light through decorations and books.

At the same time, Tucano Coffee Moldova prepared an extremely interesting quest for history lovers and offered many surprises and prizes.

The evening culminated with the parade of torchbearers, a unique show of medieval fighting, organized by the Ensifer Historical Club under the direction of Mikhail Tereshchenko, and the fire show by the Kairos Club under the direction of Elena Trukhina.

The Night of Museums is over, but the emotions are still there! We are very glad that on the Night of Museums we saw in our rooms a huge number of beautiful and friendly people, lovers of history and beauty, who opened their souls to this event.

We sincerely thank the staff of the National Museum of History of Moldova, who was involved in the event, ensuring its smooth running, as well as our guests and partners.

Event Partners: Cărturești in the Museum; 513; Cantabile Youth Choir of the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova; Faculty of Choreographic Art of the Academy of Music, Theater and Fine Arts; Vine and Lyra Musical and Literary Salon, Ensifer Historical Club; Kairos Club.

Media Partners: Agora.md; ZUGO; diez.md; TV Moldova1.