#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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Publications

Library „Tyragetia"

Simion CARP, Ghenadie CHIRIŢA, Terentie CARP, Ecaterina GÎRBU

Military traditions (past, present, future)

Series Biblioteca „Tyragetia” XXII, Chișinău, 2013, 375 p. ISBN 978-9975-80-703-6.

The authors of the volume Military Traditions (past, present, future) set as main aim to collect, to select, to arrange, to analyze, to highlight and to synthesize, as much as possible, all documentary resources and to include in the scientific circuit the military traditions, the military deeds, the military art, the actions of bravery, courage and spirit of sacrifice shown by our predecessors on the battlefields for the soldierly glory and honor.

The work, as conceived by the authors, covers the main aspects of military tradition issues. Its primary objective is to introduce into the scientific, educational, didactic and cultural circuit the old military traditions, and to synthesize and rebuild, on their base, a contemporary fight style absolutely necessary to the military-patriotic orientation of young generation and for the creation of a new national school of close fight.

The military history of predecessors was rebuilt on a rich documentary material identified in various categories of resources (written, ancient and medieval resources, bas-reliefs, wall painting etc.) collected with big competence and which highlight real possibilities for the use of soldierly glory for patriotic education of students and future defenders of the fatherland.

The publication presents studies in fields of history, culture, traditions, military art, pedagogy with well argued conclusions and synthesis, with highlighted concepts framing into the national ideas - a very important thing for our fellow citizens from the republic and from abroad. In the book are depicted certain events, wars, military conflicts which do not feature in history textbooks, by presentation of new archival data, war letters, list of Bessarabians participants at wars from the end of 19th - beginning of 20th centuries and of notorious personalities that contributed to the evolution of history and national and universal culture. Also, are described and analyzed military traditions and war tactics that were included in the history of universal military art. The portrait of our fellow citizen with his positive traits is presented into a special plastic paradigm.