#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

Exhibitions

"Archaeologist Emanuil RIKMAN – 100 years since his birth"

13 April – 24 May 2023

The exhibition is dedicated to the illustrious archaeologist Emanuil Rikman, former scientific researcher at the Academy of Sciences of the Moldovan SSR (1952-1968) and professor of archeology at the State Pedagogical University "Ion Creangă" (1955-1958) and the Moldova State University (1958, 1961-1966).

Emanuil Rikman is one of the fathers of ancient archeology in the Republic of Moldova. He carried out extensive research on the archeology of the Roman era, promoted investigations on the Romanization of the Geto-Dacians, carried out large-scale studies at sites from the ancient period and the Middle Ages, including at the sites of Budești, Bălțata, Sobari, Comrat, Costești, etc.

He promoted studies on traditional Romanian culture in Bessarabia and Northern Bucovina, conducted ethnographic field research in Northern Moldova. He has published more than 110 studies of archeology and ethnography. He contributed to the formation of the archaeological school in the MSSR.

Emanuil Rikman was born on January 10, 1923 in Berdichev, Reg. Zhitomir, Ukraine, died in 1987, being buried in Moscow.

The exhibition "Archaeologist Emanuil RIKMAN - 100 years since his birth" aims to commemorate and pay tribute to the scientist Emanuil Rikman by exposing to the general public some documentary materials related to the fruitful activity of the late researcher and pedagogue.

The exhibition includes 2 types of exhibits: documentary materials related to the personality of Emanuil Rikman and various archaeological pieces discovered by Emanuil Rikman, currently kept in the patrimonial funds of NMHM.

The documentary materials are copies extracted from Emanuil Rikman's personal archive, archaeological reports from the NMHM archive, the scholar's monographs, photographic images from archaeological sites and Emanuil Rikman's ethnographic expeditions on the territory of the Republic of Moldova. Part of the documentary materials for the organization of the exhibition were provided by the Faculty of History of the MSU and the National Archaeological Agency.

The archaeological vestiges on display represent original pieces from Emanuil Rikman's excavations from the sites of Budești, Comrat, Bălțata, Caracușenii Noi, etc. The exhibition presents archaeological pieces made of ceramics, bronze, copper, silver, glass, bone, etc., dated in the II-IV centuries, including pots-jars, cups, jugs, bowls, Roman amphorae, brooches, beads, pendants, objects toilet etc.

The exhibition "Archaeologist Emanuil RIKMAN - 100 years since his birth" can be visited during 13 April - 24 May 2023, in the upstairs hall of the National Museum of History of Moldova, 31 August 1989 str., 121A.