#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

„Polish illustrations for children in Chisinau”

June 1-30, 2022

Their works win awards around the world. The images they create take readers into a fairytale world, opening an extraordinary portal to the realm of fantasy. The titles signed with their names are used fervently not only by the youngest, because the illustrations they create are true works of art. These are the most important Polish illustrators and designers of children's books. At the National Museum of the History of Moldova in Chisinau you can see some examples of those wonderful works.

Polish School of Illustration - a term created in the 60ʼs, used for a group of Polish illustrators who have gained international recognition. They illustrated children's books.

The beginning of the Polish School of Illustration dates back to the second half of the 50ʼs. The socio-political situation in Poland after 1956 had a great influence on the shaping of this cultural and historical phenomenon. New opportunities appeared for the authors of that time, the profile of publishing activities was defined and the publishing movement was centralized. The Ministry of Culture and Art raised the problem of children's books at a high level, which allowed the first-class implementation of the children's book plan.

Artists during the People's Republic of Poland, due to the prevailing doctrine of socialist realism, focused on profitable, practical artistic works such as: designing postcards, advertising prints or designing book illustrations. In retrospect, this situation brought positive results. Then, thanks to this, in the years 1950-1980, a group of illustrators-visual artists, referred to as the Polish School of Illustration, developed.

This group of illustrators represented exceptional artistic originality and used innovative solutions. The artists used various techniques, created works characterized by a sense of humor and created poetry in their visual message, which was distinguished by an extraordinary freedom of expression. All these phenomena resulted in the fact that the Polish School of Illustration gained international recognition and ensured a very high position of Polish illustration in the world.

The exhibition "Polish School of Illustration" can be seen on the fence of the National Museum of History of Moldova, Chisinau, 31 August 1989 street, 121A, June 1-30, 2022.

#Exhibit of the Month

Clay Vessel discovered in Speia Village, Dubăsari District

„Polish illustrations for children in Chisinau”

June 1-30, 2022

#Exhibit of the Month