#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

Chronological Axis

Palaeolithic Age

(500,000 years ago – 7,000 years ago)

The Palaeolithic Age is divided into three large periods: Lower Palaeolithic (500,000 – 100,000 years ago); Middle Palaeolithic (100,000 – 35,000 years ago); Upper Palaeolithic (35,000 – 10,000 years ago). At present relics of the Lower Palaeolithic are presented in the Museum by the collection of items found at about 20 sites, of which the grottoes of Duruitoarea Veche, Ofatinti, and Butesti are the most representative.

The Middle Palaeolithic, or the Mousterian period, is presented by about 60 sites situated in the grottoes and caves from Butesti, Buzdugeni, Trinca, etc., the material from which takes an important place in the collection and exhibition of the Museum [3].

Today there are known about 350 sites dated from the Upper Palaeolithic where tools made of flint, bone, and horn were discovered [5, 6]. It is necessary to mention ones from Brinzeni, Bobulesti, Ciuntu, Scoc, Gordinesti, Ciutulesti, and Rascov. At the site of Climauti dwellings constructed with the use of mammoth ivory were discovered. In the Upper Palaeolithic there were first created objects of art: pendants [2], anthropomorphic and zoomorphic statuettes [1, 4]. The Stone Age ends with the Mesolithic period (10,000 – 7,000 years ago).

1.Spearheads made of mammoth ivory