#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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Launch of the international photography exhibition World Press Photo 2022

November 9, 2022

On November 9, 2022, the launch of the World Press Photo international photographic exhibition took place at the National Museum of History of Moldova.

The General Director of the National Museum of History of Moldova, Eugen Sava, an institution that has been the host of this event for five years, expressed confidence that the public will appreciate the exhibition at its true value. "These photographic works reach the public because they are made by the best photographers in the world. By the value they represent, with certainty, they can be attributed to the category of genuine works of art. The doors of the National Museum of History of Moldova are open for all photography lovers to admire these works of art," said Eugen Sava.

The Head of the Office of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Chisinau, Floris van Eijk, highlighted the fact that the organization of this event in Chisinau has become a beautiful tradition. "The exhibition is valuable not only because we have the most beautiful photographs on display, but also because they try to tell us something important (...) I am sure that you will find here photographs that say something, that make us think and have a better idea of things. We support the independent press, we support quality journalism from Moldova, and this is an additional reason why we also support this exhibition", said Floris van Eijk.

The Coordinator of the World Press Photo Exhibition, Netherlands, Marika Cukrowski, sent a video message, welcoming the launch of the collection in Chisinau and highlighting the importance of World Press Photo's mission to connect the world to the stories that matter.

Nadine Gogu, executive director of the Center for Independent Journalism, highlighted the increased interest of the public around the world in photojournalism. "A proof of this is the large number of photographers participating in this international competition. The jury certainly had a difficult task because, out of 4,066 photographers from 130 countries, only 24 winners were selected. Their works are part of the heavy category, works that make us think, ask questions and act", said Nadine Gogu.

Photojournalist Nicolae Pojoga noted that although this year's exhibition does not say anything about the war in Ukraine, because the photos were taken during 2021, however, "several explosions before this inhumane conflict" can be felt. "I want to draw the attention of my fellow photographers that we work for justice. Through relevant and responsible photographic documents, we hope to contribute to the justice we all expect", said Nicolae Pojoga.

The winners of the World Press Photo 2022 contest present stories that span a wide spectrum of issues - from the undeniable effects of the climate crisis or the civil rights movements and the right to access education, to the preservation of indigenous practices and identity.

Photography lovers can visit the World Press Photo exhibition at the National Museum of History of Moldova for the next three weeks until November 30.

The event is organized by the World Press Photo Foundation from the Netherlands, in partnership with the Center for Independent Journalism, with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Chisinau.

#Exhibit of the Month

Grapevine Leaf Impression

Launch of the international photography exhibition World Press Photo 2022

November 9, 2022

#Exhibit of the Month