#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.

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Inauguration of the exhibition "Chisinau: an unknown history"

January 12, 2023

On January 12, 2023, at the National Museum of History of Moldova, was inaugurated the exhibition dedicated to the National Day of Culture, entitled "Chisinau: an unknown history".

The exhibition was carried out by the Archeology Sector of NMHM and brings together an important number of documentary materials illustrating the historical past of Chisinau. The absolute majority of these materials are part of the NMHM collections and constitute a true historical-cultural treasure that allows the objective reconstruction of the city's past. Brought to light as a result of archaeological research in the last decades, they highlight unknown aspects of the history, culture, demography, social, economic and political relations of Chisinau from all times, starting with prehistoric times, passing through the ancient and medieval periods and reaching the premodern period.

At the beginning of the event the General Director of NMHM, dr.hab. Eugen Sava, highlighted the role of this exhibition in promoting the knowledge and study of the history of the city of Chisinau. Mr. Eugen Sava drew attention to the importance of safeguarding the archaeological sites and preserving the discovered vestiges, given that they can provide us with unique information regarding the history of the city and the people who have lived here over the centuries.

In her speech, Mrs. Angela Cutasevici, the Deputy Mayor of the cultural branch of the Chisinau City Hall, thanked NMHM for the contribution brought to the discovery, restoration and presentation to the general public of the pieces from the exhibition. Mrs. Angela Cutasevici also noted the importance of archeology in order to research the history of the city of Chisinau and that Chisinau City Hall is open and supports the actions taken on this subject.

Dr. Mark Tcaciuc drew attention to the fact that the pieces in the exhibition not only present pages from the history of the city, but also describe how our predecessors lived, what lifestyle they led or how they spent their free time. Mr. Mark Tcaciuc opined the idea that Chisinau does not owe its development exclusively to the Tsarist Empire, but that the city had a history and urban development in the periods leading up to the events of the 19th century, a fact that the archaeological pieces discovered tell us about. Although Chisinau has gone through various periods throughout history, it has always survived and preserved its identity.

Mr. Dr. Ion Tentiuc, in his speech, told about the history of archaeological discoveries in the city of Chisinau and highlighted the fact that our city contains numerous sites that must be researched and exploited. Mr. Ion Tentiuc told about the research carried out at Valea Morilor, the Mazarache Church, the Armenian Church, the Old Square and other important places in the city, which brought to light precious data about our city.

The curator of the exhibition, Mrs. Dr. Natalia Mateevici, presented to the general public the sections of the exhibition, which, in addition to archaeological remains, also contain documentary materials on the history of the city of Chisinau. Mrs. Natalia Mateevici thanked everyone involved in making this beautiful exhibition and noted that this exhibition is not only about Chisinau but also about its people, whether they are natives of the city or recently arrived here, but for whom Chisinau has become the city of their hearts.

"Chisinau: an unknown history" can be visited between January 12 and June 1, 2023 in Room no. 1 (Ground floor) of the National Museum of History of Moldova, Chisinau, str. 31 August 1989, 121A.

#Exhibit of the Month

Grapevine Leaf Impression

Inauguration of the exhibition "Chisinau: an unknown history"

January 12, 2023

#Exhibit of the Month