#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.

Virtual Tour

The European Night of Museums 2015

This year the European Museum Night was held on May 16th, under the generic One night at the museum - a time of real fairy tales.

The program included:

"7 episodes of the most beautiful story": special installations in the museum exhibition
(Human story, The Olănești Hoard legend, History of the medieval Moldavian fleet, Interestingly about book printing: First printed book in Moldova, Chronicle of a Life: Architect Christofor Nikolaidi, Eye of history: The tale of a camera, History of the Bessarabian press: Newspaper "The Moldavian Word").
Venue: the permanent exhibition, from 18:00 to 02:00

A story without beginning and without end: automatic musical instruments in recital. Venue: Blue Room.

Song of the Barrel Organ. Mechanical music by Adrian Oswalt, Germany (18:00-19:00)
Chamber music. Duo for cello and piano (Nicolae Bodean and Vera Stoianova) (20:30).

Theatrical sketches "Scenes from the past and the present day". Venue: the permanent exhibition

Scene from "D-ale carnavalului" ("In the days of carnival") by Luca Caragiale. Performed by Ion Grosu, Viorel Cornescu and Elena Negrescu, actors of the National Theatre „Satiricus I.L. Caragiale". Venue: Bronze Room, at 19:10
Scene from "Adam and Eve" by Liviu Rebreanu. Performed by actors of the Republican Theatre "Luceafărul". Venue: Blue Room, at 21:10
The tales of masks. With the actors of the creative team NestandArt. Venue: the permanent exhibition, at 23:30

Screenings of documentary films within the XII Festival "Chronograph"
Venue: hall of the 1st floor, Cinematheque "Clio", from 18:00 to 01:00

"The Room of Mysteries". Game for the public
Venue: the permanent exhibition, from 18:00 to 01:00

Workshop "History of collectible dolls", by the Community of dolls creators „Teddy-Doll-md"
Venue: hall of the ground floor, from 18:00 to 01:00

Photo Workshop "Retro Museum"
Venue: the permanent exhibition, from 18:00 to 01:00

Activities in the museum courtyard:

Theatrical performance "From the country of brave people", by the students the Stephen the Great Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. At 19:30

Concert of ethnic music performed by the band "DinaRatri". At 21:30

Procession of the torchbearers. The performance based on medieval ballads held by the History Club „Ensifer". At 22:30