#Exhibit of the Month

The artifact is a battle axe made from magmatic rock (diabase) of gray-brown color. It was accidentally discovered in 1966 within the territory of Aluniș village, Rîșcani district. Based on its morphological characteristics, the artifact can be attributed to the Catacomb culture (29th-22nd centuries BCE).

The axe features a massive, elongated naviform body with slightly pronounced shoulders, a short and narrow edge that is flat and circular in cross-section. The blade is slightly curved. The hole was drilled in the maximum width of the object. It is circular in shape with a diameter of 2.2 cm. The surface of the artifact is meticulously polished, worked with great care, and shows no signs of damage or chipping.

Dimensions: Length: 20.0 cm; Maximum width: 8.4 cm; Edge diameter: 5.0 cm; Blade width: 7.0 cm; Weight: 2.3 kg.

Stone battle axes are characteristic of the Catacomb culture communities and are most often found as grave goods, deposited in tombs. Their presence in funerary complexes suggests a multifaceted functionality: weapons, social symbols, and ritual objects. Initially used as weapons, the axes became social symbols for their owners, later acquiring votive significance when deposited in tombs to serve the deceased in the afterlife.

The social symbolic function of stone battle axes is indicated by the high-quality rocks used for their manufacture and the exceptionally meticulous craftsmanship. The large dimensions of the axe from Aluniș support this hypothesis and distinguish it from other examples.

The discovery of stone battle axes outside a funerary complex may indicate their votive deposition. It is difficult to imagine that these exceptionally well-crafted pieces, made from high-quality rocks transported over great distances, could have been abandoned or lost accidentally. It is far more likely that they were deposited for magical-religious purposes, a possibility that may also apply to the stone axe discovered at Aluniș.

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The Second Edition of the Author's Wine Festival

September 7-8, 2024

On September 7-8, 2024, the National History Museum of Moldova hosted the second edition of the Author's Wine Festival, a now traditional event that brings together small local wine producers and wine enthusiasts. Organized by the Association of Small Wine Producers of Moldova, with support from USAID Moldova through the Competitiveness and Rural Resilience Project, the National Office of Vine and Wine, and the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund, the festival provided visitors with an authentic and diverse experience where wine culture met historical tradition.

In the museum's courtyard, 36 Moldovan wineries showcased their finest wines, from local varieties like Feteasca Neagră and Rara Neagră to Moldovan interpretations of international wines. The event offered the public a unique opportunity to discover the stories and traditions behind each bottle, with each tasting providing an insight into the local winemaking art.

The National History Museum of Moldova contributed to the festival's atmosphere with a special exhibition dedicated to the history of winemaking and viticulture traditions. One of the standout exhibits was the imprint of a grapevine leaf discovered in the Cucuteni site of Brînzeni VIII "Sâiece" in 1980 by Vsevolod Marchevici. This relic illustrates the ancient and continuous winemaking traditions in our region, connecting the festival to a millennia-old cultural heritage.

Present at the event, the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, Mr. Andrian Digolean, remarked: "The Festival of Author Wines reflects the richness and diversity of winemaking in the Republic of Moldova, highlighting the small producers who passionately contribute to promoting our winemaking traditions. It is an excellent opportunity to support the wine sector and emphasize the importance of Moldovan wine in international markets."

Throughout the two-day event, visitors participated in guided tastings led by renowned sommeliers, masterclasses, Wine Talks sessions, and enjoyed live concerts by Cristina Scarlat Band, Mahaya Band, and DJ Wade. The festive atmosphere was complemented by cultural and recreational activities, attracting over 4,500 participants from both Moldova and Romania.

A highlight of the festival was the visit of President Maia Sandu, who honored the event with her presence and emphasized the importance of supporting small wine producers, a vital sector for the country's economy and culture. The President appreciated the diversity of wines presented and the organizers' efforts to create a platform to promote local values.

This festival was not only a celebration of quality wine but also an opportunity to honor Moldova's winemaking traditions, deeply rooted in history and an integral part of our cultural identity.

#Exhibit of the Month

Stone Battle Axe Discovered at Aluniș, Rîșcani District

The Second Edition of the Author's Wine Festival

September 7-8, 2024

#Exhibit of the Month