#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 opening of the photographic exhibition "Picasso.Intimo."

September 11, 2023

On September 11, the National Museum of History of Moldova had the honor of hosting a special event, the opening of the photographic exhibition "Picasso.Intimo.", which celebrates the legendary Spanish artist Pablo Picasso and his impressive work.

The Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in the Republic of Moldova, based in Bucharest, in collaboration with the National Museum of History of Moldova, organized this exhibition to highlight the artist's vision and contribution. With Picasso's words in mind, "a painting lives only through the one who seeks it", the exhibition invites visitors to make their own connections with the work and personality of Pablo Picasso.

During the opening event of the exhibition, the General Director of MNIM, Mr. Eugen Sava highlighted the importance of Pablo Picasso's personality for contemporary culture and history and, H.E. Jose Antonio Hernan Perez-Solozano, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain in the Republic of Moldova, based in Bucharest, pointed out the uniqueness of the photographs and exposed the fact that the talent of Roberto Otereo, the public in the Republic of Moldova can better familiarize themselves with the universe of Pablo Picasso.

Roberto Otero (1931-2004), Argentine photographer, journalist and writer, had the privilege of immortalizing Picasso in the privacy of his home at Notre-Dame-de-Vie in Mougins. His photographs, featured in this exhibition, offer an intimate glimpse into the maturity of the artist and the complicity between the photographer and his subject. This unique exhibition, which includes selections from the Otero Collection of the Picasso Museum in Malaga, offers a rare opportunity to discover the lesser-known side of Picasso.

The photographic exhibition "Picasso. Intimo." will be open to the public until October 12, 2023, in the hall on the ground floor of the National Museum of History of Moldova, Chisinau, 31 August 1989 street, no. 121A. We invite everyone interested to come and explore the fascinating world of Picasso through the lens of Roberto Otero.