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.
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. V [XX], nr. 1, Arheologie. Istorie Antică
The article is devoted to variety and character of the Scythian Amazon’s armaments. Archaeological finds of weapons and equipment of militant women is almost identical to the arms from the written and artistic sources. In general, women panoply completely consistent with the armament of the Scythian troops. Amazons preferred missile weapon, and almost did not use melee weapons. Amazons were studying the military art from an early childhood.
List of illustrations: Fig. 1. Images of armed Amazons: 1-2 - on the golden Calaf from the kurgan Bol’shaja Bliznitsa; 3 - on red-figured vases. Fig. 2. Images of Amazons on red-figured pelikai. Fig. 3. The types of arrowheads from the burials of armed women: 1-2 - kurgan 9 near Staryj Merchyk village, 3-4 - kurgan 6 near Nowoje village; 5 - kurgan 34 from Chertomlyk cemetery; 6 - kurgan 13 of BOF group. 1, 4, 5 - bronze, 2 - iron, 3, 6 - wood. Fig. 4. Weapon from the burial mounds of Amazons: javelin-heads (1, 4) and spear points (2, 5), butt (3), slingshot stones (6). 1-3 - kurgan 13 from Steblev cemetery; 4-6 - kurgan 5 near Zelenoje village. 1-5 - iron, 6 - stone. Fig. 5. Scale armor from kurgan 5 near Zelenoje village. Fig. 6. Details of armor from kurgan 5 near Zelenoje village. Fig. 7. Details of bridle from kurgan 13 near Steblev village.
Елена Фиалко
The armed women of Early Iron Age in the Northern Pontic: social aspects
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. VI [XXI], nr. 1, Arheologie. Istorie Antică
Elena Fialko, Yurii Boltryk
Textiles from Scythian burial complexes
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. VII [XXII], nr. 1, Arheologie. Istorie Antică
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
