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.
Commercial navigation on the Dniester River (1812-1853)
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. II [XVII], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
The article reveals one of the aspects of our researches regarding the external commerce of Bessarabia between 1812 and 1853. As a result of our endeavors of identification of transportation means of bessarabian commodities to Odessa, the most important seaport of the period, we found it necessary to accentuate our attention on commercial navigation on the Dniester River.
Analyzing archival documents and monographic literature we came to the conclusion that this problem shall be studied many-sided. To make the final conclusion, though, we must consider the aspects in totality. As a result we divided our paper in four parts: Means and conditions of Dniester navigation, Commercial transports on the course of Dniester, Commercial transports on the Dniester estuary, The role of Bessarabia in the commercial navigation of Dniester. Based on our researches, we consider that navigable potential of the Dniester River was utilized in the named period only partially. Most probably this was due to unconcern and mercenary of the Russian government, which ignored any initiatives, because their implementation didn’t promised quick dividends. Thus a vicious circle was formed. On the one hand the navigation on the Dniester River didn’t develop because of unsatisfactory hydrographical conditions, on the other hand the government refused to invest money for their amelioration as the Dniester navigation was too poor compared to other rivers of the Russian Empire.
Andrei Emilciuc
Export of livestock from Bessarabia to the Habsburg Empire (1812-1861)
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. XV [XXX], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Andrei Emilciuc
Establishment and functioning of the public granaries in Bessarabia (1834-1856)
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. XIII [XXVIII], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Andrei Emilciuc
Agents of guild merchants in Bessarabia: legal framework and entrepreneurship sphere (1812-1853)
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. XII [XXVII], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Andrei Emilciuc
Entrepreneurial transhumance in Bessarabia (1812-1853)
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. XI [XXVI], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Andrei Emilciuc
The legal framework of the circulation of Western European books in the Russian Empire (1721-1917)
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. VI [XXI], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
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 National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
31 August 1989 St., 121 A, MD 2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
