#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

World Refugee Day

June 20, 2023

In the yard of the National Museum of History of Moldova, on June 20, 2023, an event commemorating World Refugee Day was held, organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova and UNHCR. The theme of this year's edition of World Refugee Day - "Hope far from home: a world where refugees are always included" - is extremely relevant in the context of the strong example of refugee inclusion offered by the Republic of Moldova.

"It is also a day when we must recognize a painful reality: we live in a world where there are 35 million refugees. A world struggling to resolve the conflicts, persecution and violence that forces so many people to flee their homes," said UNHCR representative Francesca Bonelli. She added that "it is still an opportunity to remind ourselves that working together is the only way to transform this painful reality into something that ensures a better future for all, regardless of where they come from."

In accordance with the Government's marking of the Year of Ukrainian Culture in the Republic of Moldova, the theme of this year's World Refugee Day commemoration reflects this initiative.

"World Refugee Day is an opportunity to show solidarity with refugees, to recognize their importance and contributions to society, but also to ensure that their rights and dignity are protected," said the Minister of Culture, Sergiu Prodan. He emphasized that "we must recognize that refugees, once given the necessary support and opportunities, have the potential to make significant contributions to their host communities, to enrich the societies in which they seek refuge. As a nation, we have consistently demonstrated our commitment to providing protection and assistance to those in need. Our efforts to provide refuge, resettlement and integration opportunities for displaced people are a testament to our values of compassion, empathy and inclusion."

The event included a performance by the National Youth Orchestra of the Republic of Moldova, with special performances by high-ranking UNHCR supporter Valentina Nafornița and saxophonist Igor Znatokov from Ukraine.

The National Museum of History of Moldova is honored to be the host of such an event and offers support to any initiative to help people in need.