#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

The compartment „Bessarabia in the first half of the 20th century”

(Permanent Exhibition “History and Civilization”)

This department of the exhibition is dedicated to the contemporary period of history and begins with a series of objects reflecting socio-cultural movements of the early 20th century, events of the World War I and the national movement in 1917, which culminated in the creation of the first Bessarabian parliament - the Country Council (Sfatul Tarii) and the unification of Bessarabia with Romania.

The compartment „Bessarabia in the first half of the 20th century”

The main events and persons who led first to the proclamation of independence from Russia on 24 January 1918 and then to unification with Romania on 27 March 1918 are presented in the museum exhibition: photos of Paul Gore, Alexei Mateevici, Nicolai Alexandri - the leaders of national movement in Bessarabia, photo images taken at the demonstrations in Chisinau and Balti in 1917 and a photo of the building where on 21 November of the same year the Country Council began its meetings. All these documents are of particular emotional resonance. The spirit of time is conveyed through the reconstruction of the editorial office of newspaper "Cuvant moldovenesc", an important organ of the national movement in Bessarabia.

The process of integration of the territory between the Prut and Dniester in political, economic, and cultural life of the unified Romania entailed important socio-economic transformations, but especially a large flourishing of culture and education. This is evidenced by the museum collections of photos, documents, books, medals and works of art. Among the most prestigious educational institutions of the time in the exhibition there are presented the "B.P. Hasdeu" Boys' Secondary School, the "Queen Maria" Girls' Secondary School, the "King Ferdinand" Military School, and of course the famous School of Fine Arts led by sculptor Alexander Plamadeala.

Many photos and playbills talk about the prodigious activity of the National Theatre in Bessarabia and highlight some prominent figures of political and cultural life of the interwar period, such as writer and politician Constantin Stere, composer Alexandru Cristea, director of the "Unirea" Conservatory Anastasia Dicescu, internationally renowned soprano Maria Cebotari, singer of opera houses from Vienna, Dresden and Berlin, opera singers Lidia Lipcovschi and Lidia Babici.