#Exhibit of the Month

The grapevine plant, now widespread across the globe, traces its origins back to the Upper Cretaceous geological period, when species of Vitis Linn appeared on Earth (Mesozoic era), followed later by Vitis vinifera L., the latter already classified among cultivated agricultural plants. Most researchers link the origin of the cultivated grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) to the wild forest species Vitis sylvestris Gmel. Thickets of Vitis sylvestris Gmel. can still sporadically be found in the groves along the Prut and Dniester floodplains.

During the Precucuteni III - Trypillia A period (ca. 4750-4600 BC), the presence of cultivated grape seeds was clearly documented on pottery from the settlement of Ruseştii Noi I, layer I, kiln A, consisting of a seed impression on a ceramic fragment, with the elongated beak characteristic of the domesticated species Vitis vinifera L. Another seed impression of Vitis vinifera L. was recorded at the settlement of Vărvăreuca VIII, identified on the wall of a painted vessel from the Cucuteni B - Trypillia CI stage (3800-3500/3300 BC).
In October, on the occasion of the National Wine Day, the National Museum of History of Moldova presents to your attention a unique relic in Southeastern Europe. The exhibit originates from the settlement Brînzeni VIII "Sâiece," belonging to the Cucuteni-Trypillia culture and dated to the Cucuteni AB2 - Trypillia B2 phase (ca. 4050-3800 BC), located in Brînzeni village, Edineț district. The site lies 2 km southwest of the locality, in a triangle formed by the confluence of the Racovăț and Drobiște streams and the local road L36 Bădragii Vechi-Brînzeni. Positioned on land 25-30 meters above the valley, it was discovered in 1966 by archaeologist Nicolaie Chetraru and investigated through excavations between 1978-1980 by Vsevolod Marchevici.
The October exhibit is a grapevine leaf impression discovered in 1980. It comes from pit no. 5, partially investigated, with a maximum depth of 155 cm. From the same archaeological complex near dwelling no. 1, several grape seeds were also recovered, as noted in the excavation report. The grapevine leaf impression appears on a coarse clay lump, fired and vitrified due to secondary burning, reddish in color, with an irregular rectangular, flattened shape. The outer surface is uneven and rough. The impression surface is smoothed, with the leaf veins clearly highlighted. Measuring 99 mm in length, 110 mm in width, and 28-31 mm in thickness, the exhibit presents in full splendor an authentic grapevine leaf impression. Some researchers attribute it to the domesticated grapevine Vitis vinifera L., while others, more skeptical, consider it a wild species. Nevertheless, being discovered in a well-documented archaeological context, together with grape seeds near a dwelling, it provides evidence that grapevine was part of Cucuteni community life 6,000 years ago. These findings allow us to affirm that the process of domestication and the creation of table grapes was already underway. The diversity of Cucuteni ceramic forms, as well as the painting on some vessels, undoubtedly suggests their use as containers for various liquids. Accordingly, the emergence of wine among Cucuteni communities can be taken into consideration.

Virtual Tour

Exhibitions

Romanian Jewelry Week

18-31 August 2023

Between August 18-31, 2023, Romanian Jewelry Week continues the international marathon of contemporary jewelry through a special edition held in Chisinau, within the National Museum of History of Moldova, one of the most important museum institutions in the country. It is the first collaboration project in the field of contemporary jewelry between Romania and the Republic of Moldova. The project is co-financed by the Romanian Cultural Institute, through the Cantemir Program - funding program for cultural projects intended for the international environment.

The museum will host for two weeks an exhibition dedicated to Romanian Jewelry Week with over 50 Romanian and international artists and designers, in an event format that includes 5 special activations such as openings, guided tours, conferences and workshops dedicated to the general public. Among the exhibitors are renowned designers from Romania, Republic of Moldova, Italy, USA, France, Portugal, Germany, Ukraine, South Korea, etc., as well as two capsule exhibitions organized by Slovenian Jewelry Week and Legnica Silver Festival in Poland. A special moment will also be marked by a screening of the first international jewelry-inspired video festival - SMCK on Reel, which focuses on current social themes explored through the lens of contemporary jewelry.

Program Romanian Jewelry Week - Chisinau 2023
Location - National Museum of History of Moldova, Str. 31 August 1989 no. 121 A, MD 2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Friday, August 18, 2023
17.00 - 19.00 - Opening of the Romanian Jewelry Week contemporary jewelry exhibition - Guided tour by curator David Sandu
Saturday, August 19, 2023
10.00 - 12.00 - Imprint. Jewelry workshop for children (12-15 years).
14:00-16:00 Conference on Assemblage Contemporary Jewelery School with David Sandu and Andreia Gabriela Popescu. Demonstration workshop of polishing semi-precious stones.
16:30 - 18:00 - SMCK ON REEL FESTIVAL film screening - "Civilization Rebooted".
Wednesday, August 30, 2023 - Location - National Museum of History of Moldova, Chisinau
16.00 - 18.00 - Conferences and Finishing of Romanian Jewelry Week.

"Through this special edition of Romanian Jewelry Week, the National Museum of History of Moldova marks a special moment in the cultural collaboration between the Republic of Moldova and Romania. Contemporary jewelery is an art form full of meaning and expression, and this exhibition provides an opportunity to enjoy the creativity and ingenuity of many talented artists and designers. The National History Museum of Moldova has the mission of promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of our country, and Romanian Jewelry Week brings a new perspective on the art of jewelry in a contemporary context. Through the event, we want to encourage cultural dialogue and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and ideas between artists and our audience." - National Museum of History of Moldova.

Access is based on the museum entrance ticket.

Event organized by Assamblage in partnership with the National Museum of History of Moldova, in Chisinau. The project is co-financed by the Romanian Cultural Institute, through the Cantemir Program - funding program for cultural projects intended for the international environment. Exhibition design signed by Kaustik.

Media partners: Radio Guerilla, Aici a Stat, Curatorialist, Curatorial.ro, Dreamingof.net, Designist.ro, ELLE, Empower Artists, Feeder.ro, Festivalier, Igloo, IQAds, Lost in Jewelry Magazine, Femeia, Modernism.ro, Atelierul Magazine, Golan Magazine, The PR Station, The Institute, Zeppelin, Days and Nights, Călători cu Gust, TVR Moldova.

Romanian Jewelry Week is an annual international project organized by Assamblage - the National Association of Authors and Designers of Contemporary Jewelry, which brings together in each edition over 190 designers and collectives from all over the world. It is currently the largest and most important event dedicated to contemporary jewelry in Romania. After 3 successful editions held in Bucharest, in cultural spaces such as the National Library of Romania, Arcub, the National History Museum of Romania, the Cotroceni National Museum, and many others, Romanian Jewelry Week will organize a first special edition in Timișoara and Chisinau in 2023, alongside the main edition in Bucharest that will take place between October 4-8, 2023.

The Romanian Cultural Institute is not responsible for the content of the project or how the results of the project can be used. These are entirely the responsibility of the beneficiary of the funding.

#Exhibit of the Month

Grapevine Leaf Impression

Romanian Jewelry Week

18-31 August 2023

#Exhibit of the Month