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.
Development of secondary education in Bessarabia in 1833-1871
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. VIII [XXIII], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
In this article we will analyze the development of the secondary education system in Bessarabia since 1833, when the first secular secondary public school was opened, until 1871, when the Russian Empire carried out a series of reforms, which affected the education system.
Secondary education in Bessarabia was introduced during the reign of Emperor Nicholas I (1826-1856). The Tsar’s education policy was characterized by a number of limitations. The government intended to transform the education system into a tool to maintain and strengthen the regime. To achieve this, the tsarist government undertook some reorganization of the education system. This reorganization was aimed at the organization of schools on the basis of caste principle, raising children in a religious spirit, control over schools by the police and turning them into a means of Russification of non-Russian peoples. Under the new school statute from December 8, 1828 the continuity between parochial and county schools was eliminated, resulting in a two systems of education: primary education system, which included the county and parochial schools, and the system of secondary and higher education, which included gymnasiums and universities.
The lack of systematic education in the region was strongly felt. After four years of preparatory work, on September 12, 1833 a gymnasium for boys was opened in Chisinau. It was established in accordance with the statute of 1828 and had a seven-year course of study. Initially only three primary classes were opened. However, in the short term the Chisinau male gymnasium has become one of the main institutions of secondary education in the Odessa School District.
Changes in the Russian education system affected this school too. The reform of 1864 divided the secondary schools into three categories: classical gymnasiums, “real” gymnasiums and “real” schools. Under these regulations, the Chisinau male gymnasium received the status of a classical school. Under the new regulations, the main subjects here were classical languages and mathematics.
In the same year, on March 8, there was opened the first high school for girls aimed at educating daughters of nobles, officials, merchants and representatives of other wealthy estates. The school had two primary classes and was kept at the expense of taxation of the nobility, churches and monasteries.
During 1833-1871 there were two secondary educational institutions (one for boys and one for girls) for spreading the knowledge among the Bessarabian population.
Tatiana Chicaroș
School of exact science activity in Chișinău in period of 1873-1918
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. IV [XIX], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Tatiana Chicaroș
L’évolution de l’enseignement de lycée en Bessarabie sous la domination tsariste (1833-1917)
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. II [XVII], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Tatiana Chicaroș
The role of Bessarabian private schools in the educational system of the Russian Empire in the second half of the 19th - early 20th century
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. VI [XXI], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Tatiana Chicaroș
Some considerations on the evolution of secular and religious education in Bessarabia in the 19th century - beginning of the 20th century
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. III [XVIII], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Tatiana Chicaroș
Legislative basis of secondary education in the Russian Empire in the modern era
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. V [XX], 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
