#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

Totalization meeting for the project "For Ukraine"

April 20, 2022

On Wednesday, April 20, 2022, a meeting was held at the Embassy of Ukraine in Chișinău to sum up and announce the results of the "For Ukraine" project. The event was attended by representatives of the organizing institutions and partners involved in the project.

His Excellency Marko Shevchenko thanked everyone for the contributions and support of Ukraine and said that "part of the money will go to the largest hospital in Kyiv, Ohmatdyt, which needs to be restored and provided with specialized equipment destroyed during the war".

The organizer of the event, Hospices of Hope Moldova, expressed gratitude to all partners, friends and supporters of this event. Lara Moraru, Country Manager of the Hospices of Hope Moldova, mentioned the importance of the contribution of each partner in this project, noting that "Organizing this charity event was a great responsibility, as it was an exceptional situation and the decision had to be made quickly, and the partners of this event and the people who participated in the auction during the exhibition showed us that we are a united and supportive community. We continue to develop palliative care services in the Republic of Moldova and are open to new collaboration opportunities to help the Ukrainian people".

The National Museum of History of Moldova was represented at the meeting by Deputy Directors Livia Sîrbu and Alexandru Argint, who noted that "more than 2,000 museum visitors admired the works of art and enjoyed the beauty that knows no borders. The National Museum of History of Moldova is honored to be a partner of the charity event, thus promoting peace and solidarity with the Ukrainian people".

During the event, His Excellency Marko Shevchenko together with Lara Moraru presented letters of thanks to the partners.

A letter of thanks was also given to the National Museum of History of Moldova, in the person of the General Director Dr. habil. Eugen SAVA, as a sign of gratitude and high appreciation.

We remind you that the project "For Ukraine" was launched by the Hospices of Hope Moldova and the Embassy of Ukraine in Chișinău with the support of the President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu and the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenskaya.

#Exhibit of the Month

Glass Goblet from the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov Cemetery (4th Century AD) in Tigheci

Totalization meeting for the project "For Ukraine"

April 20, 2022

#Exhibit of the Month