#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

Events Archive

Marking the 105th anniversary of the Union of Bessarabia with Romania

March 27, 2023

On the occasion of the celebration of the 105th anniversary of the Union of Bessarabia with Romania, the National Museum of History of Moldova organized a series of activities aimed at honoring the historical event of the unification of the two Romanian provinces into a single state.

In this context, NMHM museographers organized thematic lessons for students, presenting them with the history of the Union of Bessarabia with Romania and its importance for our national history and culture.

In collaboration with the Brașov County Museum of History, the Forums Association, the Bessarabian Youth Association and the Brașov County Council, an exhibition celebrating the 105th anniversary of the Union of Bessarabia with Romania was opened in the ground floor hall, entitled "Queen Maria, irresistible ambassador of history and Romanian folk art".

The exhibition is a tribute to a particularly important figure for our history, Queen Maria of Romania, who was one of the greatest ambassadors of Romanian culture, proudly promoting folk art and our ancient traditions. The exhibition speech made by the historian Nicolae Pepene is focused on archival images of the Crown Princess/Queen Maria of Romania in folk costume, photographed in her residences in Bicaz, Bran, Cotroceni or Peleș. Images from the period 1893 - 1936 are presented, accompanied by explanatory texts and quotes from the work of the sovereign. The exhibition also includes a selection of images from the illustration of children's books written by Queen Maria, works that abound in drawings inspired by the image of traditional Romanian costumes and objects adorned with popular motifs.

These activities highlighted the importance of reuniting the territories inhabited by Romanians under a single state and reaffirmed the cultural values and ancient traditions that define our national history. The National Museum of History of Moldova paid tribute to the values that define the Romanian people and emphasized the importance of preserving traditions, culture, national history and passing it on to younger generations.

#Exhibit of the Month

Clay Vessel discovered in Speia Village, Dubăsari District

Marking the 105th anniversary of the Union of Bessarabia with Romania

March 27, 2023

#Exhibit of the Month