#Exhibit of the Month

The exhibit of the month for November is a rare glass goblet from the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov cemetery, discovered in Tigheci. Dated to the second half of the 4th century AD, this remarkable artifact demonstrates the craftsmanship of the time, made from translucent greenish glass with a truncated cone shape and intricate geometric decoration. The goblet features three rows of hexagonal facets, framed by incised lines, and a row of elongated ovals under the rim, characteristics which classify it within Series VII A, according to E. Straume's classification. These ornamental traits hint at artistic influences from various regions and indicate the spread of technologies and ideas within the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov culture.

Archaeological Context of the Discovery

The Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov cemetery at Tigheci is located in a historically complex area, positioned on the northwest slope of the Tigheci River, at the "La Lutărie" point. First identified in the 1980s following unauthorized clay extraction, the cemetery has suffered considerable damage, leading to the loss of valuable artifacts and the destruction of graves. Among the objects recovered by Mr. Ion Pușcașu, founder of the Museum of History and Ethnography in Tigheci, are wheel-thrown ceramic items reflecting the traditions and techniques of communities during the Migration Period.

The site was first archaeologically investigated in 1990, when a complete inhumation grave was found, though lacking any inventory. Subsequent surveys in 2013 and 2015 by the National Archaeological Agency revealed ongoing erosion damaging the cemetery, necessitating a rescue excavation in 2017. This campaign documented and investigated five graves from the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov culture, including the skeletal remains of a male individual estimated to have been 40 to 45 years old at the time of death, offering additional insights into the demographic structure of this community.

Cultural Significance and Comparisons

The hexagonally faceted glass goblet is among the most valuable artifacts from the Tigheci cemetery. Similar goblets are characteristic of the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov culture and have been found in notable sites such as Târgșor and Bârlad-Valea Seacă (Romania) and Gavrilovka, Ranjevoe (Ukraine), reflecting the cultural and trade connections of this community with other centers of influence in Late Antiquity. Ancient texts and cultural parallels suggest a complex interaction zone with Hellenistic and Roman influences, reflected in luxury goods production such as this glass goblet.

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Exhibitions

"The National Bank of Romania’s Treasure in Moscow – A Century-Old Claim"

November 16 – December 5, 2024

The National Bank of Romania and the Romanian Cultural Institute "Mihai Eminescu" in Chișinău, in partnership with the National Museum of History of Moldova, invite the public to the opening of the exhibition-event "The National Bank of Romania's Treasure Sent to Moscow and Unrecovered - A Century-Old Claim" on November 16, 2024, at 12:00 PM, in Hall 1 of the museum.

This exhibition delves deeply into the historical and economic implications of a pivotal episode in Romania's history. Through exclusive documents and rare insights, visitors will gain a comprehensive perspective on this unique event in Romania's modern history, when Romania's gold reserve was entrusted to an ally, only to find the guarantees and commitments unmet, despite their alignment with international norms of the time.

The event will also feature presentations of two major scholarly works:

• "The Fate of Romania's Treasure. Arguments from Russian Archives" by Ilie Schipor
• "The National Bank of Romania's Treasure Sent to Moscow and Unrecovered" by Cristian Păunescu

The exhibition was previously showcased at the European Parliament on March 5, 2024. That same month, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for the return of Romania's national treasure, a notable success for Romanian diplomacy.

Specialists from the National Bank of Romania will present remarkable insights about this singular episode in modern history, wherein a nation's gold reserve was entrusted to an ally under guarantees that went unfulfilled, despite strict adherence to the international standards of the time.

The exhibition will be open to the public from November 16 to December 5, 2024, in Hall 1 of the National Museum of History of Moldova, located at 121A August 31st Street, Chișinău.