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.
Constantin F. Cazimir’s activity within the Bessarabian zemstva
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. IV [XIX], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
The article comes to fill in a page from the life and activity of C.F. Cazimir (1860-1910) – remarkable personality from the history of Bessarabia from the end of 19th century-beginning of 20th century, important patron of culture, man of bright intelligence, landowner and good householder. We attempt at elucidating, based on historical documents (the meetings of the zemstva’s Assembly) stored in the heritage of the National Museum of Archaeology and History of Moldova, his activity within the zemstva – a body of local administration, introduced in Bessarabia in 1869.
C.F. Cazimir worked for more than two decades in the provincial and county zemstva (Hotin and Bălți), where he affirmed himself as a great promoter of education, medicine and agriculture. The catastrophic situation from Bessarabia (more than 50% from the number of boys and over 80% of girls were illiterate) could not be tolerated any more, the indifference of the clerks was overwhelming, made of this subject a constant in zemstva’s working agenda. At the meeting of Zemstva’s assembly, C. F. Cazimir had brought strong critics to its incapacity of solving the problem, especially, the decision to “bandy” the primary education to the county zemstva. He pleaded for well trained teachers and equipped schools where would study as many as possible children. He supported the idea of school libraries with a collection of books “to the benefit of pupils and teachers”, himself being the founder of the library from village Văscăuți.
Being a good specialist, C.F. Cazimir manifested a special interest for the agrarian schools where, along his personal investigations in the field, he had raisin this problem at the public institutions as well. He was the tutor of the agrarian school from Grinăuți who became a forgery of personnel for agriculture. He had proven his civic attitude in medicine also. Besides the hundreds of scholarships granted, as adviser, to the future medical specialists, he was an adept of an active policy of combating epidemics. He had criticized the hygienic conditions from the psychiatric hospital from Costujeni, institution which enjoyed the most consistent subsidy from the provincial administration.
He was elected in 1901 a member of the commission for the construction of the driveway Chișinău-Criuleni, along with the mayor of Chișinău, K. Schmidt, advisers I. Sârbu, V. Varzari and engineer M. Şostovski.
Ana Grițco
Advertising postcards in the collections of the National Museum of the History of Moldova (late 19th c. - the 1st half of the 20th c.)
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. XI [XXVI], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Ana Grițco
A drugstore of old times Chișinău (end of 19th – beginning of 20th centuries)
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. IV [XIX], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Ana Grițco
Pages from the history of hotels in Bessarabia. Deltiologic research (2nd half of 19th - early 20th centuries)
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. V [XX], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Ana Grițco
Amusement places in Chișinău. Cafe Man’kov (Late 19th century - the 30ies of 20th century)
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. VII [XXII], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Ana Grițco
Building of the Hârbovăț Community of Nurses in Chișinău (late 19th - early 20th centuries): the image and history
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.