#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"

Elena Ploșnița

Museum. Traditionalism and modernity

Biblioteca „Tyragetia” XXXVII, Chișinău, 2022, 210 p. ISBN 978-9975-80-903-0; 978-9975-166-26-3.

The book "Museum. Traditionalism and modernity" is a theoretical reflection on what is a museum institution between traditionalism and modernity. Specific topics that draw up the museum between tradition and modernity are considered. The systematization and analysis of the latest achievements in Moldavian museography has been carried out. Both traditional and innovative processes in the evolution of the contemporary museum as a public institution are traced.

The work is focused on the problems of museums in the Republic of Moldova, the evolution of these institutions over the past 30 years in the dimension between traditionalism and modernity. The main milestones of this evolution are indicated, with many meanings, contradictions, and changes that mark it. In order to present a complete picture of the issue, a systematization and analysis of the latest achievements in Moldavian museography in three specific areas is given, taking into account the specifics of the functioning of a museum: collections, exposition, communication. The book may be of interest to specialists, since for the first time it approaches, in a comprehensive way, the problems of traditionalism and modernity in the museum system of the Republic of Moldova.

The monograph comes as an argument in support of the motivations for reforming and modernizing the traditional museums in the Republic of Moldova, and we hope that it will help museum professionals in the process of internal and external reforming and modernization of the institution. The contemporary museum in the Republic of Moldova remains a traditional one, designed even today as an ordinary institution, but it can become modern only through reform and reorganization, formulating a clear mission and specific goals, through efficient management of collections, by attracting visitors, by developing and implementing national and international projects.

Contents

Preface

1. MUSEUM COLLECTIONS: THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS

1.1. Museum collections management coordinates
1.2. Scientific records for museum cultural values
1.3. Research and classification of museum collections
1.4. Digitization of museum collections
1.5. Nominal assessment of museum cultural heritage

2. MUSEUM EXHIBITION: APPROACHES

2.1. The concept of museum exhibition
2.2. Typology and methods of organizing a museum exhibition
2.3. Permanent exhibition - a traditional necessity or a modern bagatelle?
2.4. Museum exhibition and information technologies

3. MUSEUM AUDIENCES: COMMUNICATION AND EDUCATION

3.1. Public relations/museum's relationship with the public
3.2. Traditional and modern museum communication
3.3. Education in a modern museum
3.4. Knowing visitors is a modern imperative

CONCLUSIONS

Bibliography
List of abbreviations
Summary (in English)
Summary
Annexes
Index of names
Index of museums