#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 opening of the exhibition "Mom, I don't want war!!!"

September 30, 2022

On September 30, at 12:00, in front of the National Museum of History of Moldova, was opened the exhibition "Mami, I don't want war!!!", organized in partnership with the Polish Institute from Bucharest, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in the Republic of Moldova and the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Moldova.

The exhibition features historical drawings by Polish children from 1946, which record their experience during World War II and the German occupation of 1939-1945, as well as contemporary drawings by Ukrainian children about the ongoing war in Ukraine and which can be found on the Mom I see war portal.

The similarity between the historical drawings and those of today is amazing. Children draw tanks, airplanes from which bombs are dropped, fires and explosions. Draw wounded and dead, ruined houses, graves. They draw themselves and their families, draw evacuation and escape. They also draw their hopes and dreams for the future. The multitude of emotions transposed in the drawings: from fear and despair to hope and faith in victory, confirms one thing - children should not suffer because of war, they deserve to be happy and loved.

During the opening, Eugen Sava, the General Director of the National Museum of History of Moldova, stated that the children's drawings are wonderful but also tragic at the same time and convey a profound message.

Tomasz Michał Kobzdej, the ambassador of the Republic of Poland in the Republic of Moldova, noted that "In 1946 children show soldiers in cartoons as people who have been driven mad by nazi or communist ideologies, as monsters. There is no doubt that the wars of adults bring suffering to children. Protecting children who are victims of war is one of the priorities of the foreign policy of the Republic of Poland".

The Ambassador of Ukraine in the Republic of Moldova, Marko Shevcenko, stated that "The exhibition is both impressive and paradoxical at the same time. Despite the fact that the distance at which these drawings were made is more than 80 years - the theme is the same. Only the military symbols are different. Evil remains evil regardless of the messages promoted and it is important that everyone unites and fights back against this evil."

The exhibition "Mom, I don't want war!!!" can be seen on the fence of the National Museum of History of Moldova (31 August 1989 street, no. 121 A) between September 30 and October 31, 2022.