#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.

Virtual Tour

Events Archive

Inauguration of the exhibition "Fashion and lifestyle in the 20th century" from the clothing collection of the National Museum of History of Moldova

May 18, 2023

On May 18, on the occasion of the International Day of Museums, at the National Museum of History of Moldova took place the opening of a real thematic exhibition, entitled "Fashion and lifestyle in the 20th century" from the clothing collection of the National Museum of History of Moldova . This impressive exhibition highlights 20th century clothing, carefully collected and preserved by our museographers.

We proudly present over 200 pieces of clothing, footwear and accessories of historical, artistic and memorial value. These objects were worn by characters who lived on the territory of Moldova throughout a century, managing to string together the story of fashion and social and personal life, from great-grandfather to great-grandson.

The exhibition aims to highlight the evolution of clothing in accordance, more or less, with fashion trends. It reveals the lifestyle of the country's inhabitants over the past century and how tastes have changed in relation to Eastern, Western and Soviet influences.

Thanks to the curator of the exhibition, Aurelia Cornețchi and a team of dedicated museographers, the exhibition offers the visiting public an engaging and informative experience. The exhibition approach is supported by a series of original or unknown photographs from the museum collection, which capture aspects of everyday life, with ordinary people and personalities of the time, focusing attention on the evolution of fashion and clothing.

The exhibition "Fashion and lifestyle in the 20th century" can be visited in room no. 2, ground floor, between May 18, 2023 and January 31, 2024, the National Museum of History of Moldova, 31 August 1989 street, 121A.