#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 event „Discover Children’s dream planet with Spiridon Vangheli”

June 1st, 2015

For the celebration of the International Children's Day on June 1st, the National Museum of History of Moldova organized in collaboration with Culture Department of Chișinău municipality an event with the generic „Discover Children's dream planet with Spiridon Vangheli". The event was attended by children with parents, grandparents and educators from Chișinău and different rural areas of the republic.

During the event, composer Constantin Rusnac performed at the piano a few songs for children and Nicoleta Arhiriuc, pupil in the 4th grade at the Theoretical lyceum „Ion Creangă", recited poetry.

The key moment of the action was the presence among the children of the famous writer Spiridon Vangheli who told stories about his collaboration with Grigore Vieru in developing the ABC and writing the book „The reign of Ciuboțel", read stories about Guguță and fragments from the ABC, spoke with the children and gave autographs. The writer expressed his satisfaction that the event offered him once again the opportunity to be in the world of childhood, together with his readers.

A contest was organized as part of the event - „Letter to Guguță" - with money awards and books offered by Culture Department. This contest was aimed at nurturing children's interest and knowledge of cultural identity values of Republic of Moldova, for the artistic creation of the writer Spiridon Vangheli, for the knowledge of Romanian language. Children wrote letters to Guguță, the most interesting ones being read loud by moderator Lucia Culev, the head of Culture Department.

Incentive awards for participation at the contest were offered to children aged 6 to 13 years, including: Ștefan Bîrlădeanu, Alina Staver, Cristian Suhodaru, Grigore Ciobanu, Iulian Ciobanu, Serghei and Dumitraș Frunză, Andreea and Teodor Durnea, Daniel Cuciuc, Adrian Popescu, Igor Ciubuc, Valeria Tabac etc. For the most beautiful letters Gheorghe Zavtoni, from Ratuș village, Criuleni district, was awarded the 3rd award (100 lei) and to Cătălina Cazacu, from Tîrnova village, Dondușeni district, the 2nd award (200 lei). Spiridon Vangheli congratulated, in his turn, all the participants at the contest, bestowing books with his autographs, hugs and words of praise.