#Exhibit of the Month

This clay vessel was discovered in 1982 by archaeologist V. Sorochin during excavations of a burial mound (no. 1) located in the village of Speia, Dubăsari District. It originates from grave no. 5 and is dated to the 4th millennium BC, belonging to the Usatovo culture.
The vessel was found in a child's grave. The burial pit had an oval shape, and the deceased was laid in a crouched position (similar to the fetal posture), on the left side. A total of five vessels were uncovered in this grave: three near the back, one at the feet, and one in the pelvic area.
The cultural attribution of this funerary complex was determined based on the burial rite and grave goods. This culture is characterized by the specific construction of the burial pit, as well as the positioning and orientation of the deceased toward the east and northeast.

The vessel is shaped from clay mixed with finely crushed shell. Its walls curve gradually toward the top, with the widest diameter at the shoulder area. It has a short neck, a slightly flared rim, and a flat base. The surface is carefully polished, in some areas to a lustrous finish. The interior is reddish-brown, while the exterior is yellowish-brown with gray spots. The rim features groups of perforations, three of which are preserved in their original state. The diameter of the holes is 0.35 cm. The space between the groups of perforations is decorated with cord impressions. The transition from the neck to the shoulder is adorned with three horizontal lines made with cord, from which, in five places, three vertical lines descend, each 5 cm long, executed using the same technique. At the time of discovery, these lines were filled with a white paste. The space between the groups of lines is decorated at the top with short vertical lines (0.5 cm long), and in the center with a meander ornament made of two parallel lines impressed with cord. The base of the vessel retains the imprint of a textile.
Vessel dimensions: Height: 22 cm; Rim diameter: 15.7 cm; Maximum diameter: 22 cm; Base diameter: 10 cm.

Virtual Tour

Exhibitions

„Archaeology in the Republic of Moldova for 22 Years”

August 27 – September 16, 2013

On the Independence Day of the Republic of Moldova, 27 August 2013 the National Museum of History of Moldova opened the exhibition „Archaeology in the Republic of Moldova for 22 Years".

„Archaeology in the Republic of Moldova for 22 Years”

By means of the most valuable exhibits presented in the showcases we tried to show that in over two decades of independence the archaeology of the Republic of Moldova has experienced a new and significant development.

Systematic archaeological investigations and rescue researches brought to light hundreds of new, previously unknown sites. In a few dozen of them, belonging to the times from the Paleolithic period to the Late Middle Ages and Early Modern Epoch, excavations were conducted. Materials discovered in the process of research have revealed in the Prut-Dniester region several new archaeological cultures such as the Neolithic Cris culture, Free Dacians' culture, etc.

The most important materials resulting from the research undertaken in these years by teams of archaeologists (Institute of Cultural Heritage of ASM, National Museum of History of Moldova, State University of Moldova, „Ion Creanga" State Pedagogical University, National Archaeological Agency under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova) were presented in the basic exhibition of the museum, others have been exhibited in numerous temporary exhibitions.

Along with national exhibitions, archaeological materials found on sites of the Republic of Moldova have been included in international exhibitions organized in scientific centers and museums of Romania, USA, Germany, UK, Italy, Greece and so on, being highly appreciated by the scientific community and the people of culture.

In this period there were drafted new legislation and regulations related to the research and protection of the archaeological heritage. New, previously unused directions of research have appeared: church archeology and urban archeology.

The importance of the archaeological remains discovered in these years in the Republic of Moldova is evidenced by many international projects for the elucidation of multiple aspects of the evolution and development of human communities in ancient and prehistoric period, with the participation of renowned experts from research institutions of Europe and the U.S. The results of these multidisciplinary researches were admitted into the domain of science and culture through publishing an impressive number of academic papers, encyclopedias, monographs, studies and articles in the country and abroad. Some of them were honored with major national and international awards.

#Exhibit of the Month

Clay Vessel discovered in Speia Village, Dubăsari District

„Archaeology in the Republic of Moldova for 22 Years”

August 27 – September 16, 2013

#Exhibit of the Month