#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

"Historical Monuments in Pictures"

November 21, 2012 - December 5, 2012

National Museum of Archaeology and History of Moldova invites the public to visit the temporary exhibition entitled "Historical Monuments in Pictures". The main museum pieces presented in the exhibition are illustrated postcards "accompanied" by a mini-collection of clocks, symbolizing the time, which erases... but also preserves. The aim of the exhibition is to present deltiological images to the visitors and to attract public interest both to the diversity of the historical heritage of the Republic of Moldova and its vulnerability that requires joint efforts to protect and conserve. The exhibition calls for respect for the history and reminds of the danger for some of the monuments, despite their beauty and value.

The exhibition was conceived by the Department of Modern History and includes over 300 objects of deltiology, wall and floor clocks, and postcard albums, in the framework of time from the late 19th century until 2011. The history is reflected in the architecture of churches, monasteries, different social and administrative buildings, etc. The exhibition is divided into two sections:

1. Postcards' Memory: includes vintage postcards with pictures of historical monuments of Bessarabia, including Chisinau, between the late 19th century and 1940s. By means of the postcards visitors will "travel" back in time, admiring the city's central boulevard, architecture of administrative buildings, educational and cultural institutions, places of rest, etc.

2. Historical Monuments Today: presents picture postcards, which reflect a segment of history of the Republic of Moldova since the late 1980s till present. Along with images of old monuments preserved until today, there are exposed images of buildings, which are symbols of the Republic of Moldova: the Presidential Residence, Parliament, Government House, City Hall, etc. A special place occupy picture postcards with art and cultural institutions, monuments and statues, churches and monasteries, museums of natural history in the area between the Prut and Dniester.

#Exhibit of the Month

Clay Vessel discovered in Speia Village, Dubăsari District

"Historical Monuments in Pictures"

November 21, 2012 - December 5, 2012

#Exhibit of the Month