#Exhibit of the Month

The Roman bronze situla comes from a collection of archaeological artifacts confiscated at customs and transferred to the holdings of the National Museum of History of Moldova in 2009. Its place of discovery remains unknown.

A situla (Latin for "bucket") is a metal vessel-usually made of bronze-shaped like a pail and equipped with two movable handles at the top, traditionally used for mixing wine with water. The handles are attached to the vessel via two decorated ears that are welded to the rim.

The body of the situla is truncated-conical in shape and features two decorative bands with small circular patterns formed by hammering, located just below the rim.

Its base is double-layered: the inner bottom is hemispherical and hammered, while the outer bottom is flat and lathe-made. The outer base is welded to the inner bottom, serving as the vessel's foot-support.

This object was crafted using a combination of casting, hammering, and partial lathe-finishing. Dimensions: Maximum height - 31.7 cm; Maximum diameter - 22.8 cm; Base diameter - 13.5 cm

Situlae of this type originated in the Roman Empire and were later adopted by various ancient peoples, including those from the northwestern Pontic region.

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Opening of the Exhibition "Harmony of Beauty. The Timeless Elegance of Azerbaijani Carpets"

May 18, 2025

On May 18, 2025, the National Museum of History of Moldova inaugurated the exhibition "Harmony of Beauty. The Timeless Elegance of Azerbaijani Carpets" as part of the International Museum Day program, an event that highlighted the rich tradition of Azerbaijani carpet weaving. Organized in partnership with Azərxalça and the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Republic of Moldova, the exhibition offers an insight into Azerbaijan's textile heritage, showcasing stylistic diversity and artisanal craftsmanship.

The opening event brought together representatives from cultural institutions, members of the diplomatic corps, parliamentarians, and the general public. Official speeches were delivered by Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Moldova, Ulvi Bahshaliyev, Minister of Culture, Sergiu Prodan, General Director of the National Museum of History of Moldova, Dr. Hab. Eugen Sava, Chairman of the Board of Azərxalça, Emin Mammadov, and Co-Chairman of the Moldova-Azerbaijan parliamentary friendship group, Vitalie Jacot.

Ambassador Ulvi Bahshaliyev emphasized the importance of Azerbaijani carpets as part of the UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting Azerbaijan's efforts to preserve and promote this craft. Minister of Culture, Sergiu Prodan, described the exhibition as a symbol of intercultural collaboration, stating that "culture is the strongest bond between nations." Emin Mammadov, Chairman of Azərxalça, spoke about the global significance of Azerbaijani carpets, focusing on international partnerships and the institution's role in advancing this artistic tradition.

In his address, Dr. Hab. Eugen Sava, General Director of the National Museum of History of Moldova, underlined the importance of hosting this exhibition within the International Museum Day program, stating that international collaborations contribute to the enrichment of the museum's curatorial discourse. He noted that, for the first time in Moldova, Azerbaijani carpets were being displayed in a museum setting, marking a significant milestone in cultural relations between the two countries.

As a gesture of appreciation for cultural cooperation, the National Museum of History of Moldova received two traditional Azerbaijani carpets, gifted by the Azerbaijani state. The event concluded with a performance of Azerbaijani traditional music, celebrating the country's artistic and cultural heritage.

During the first week of the exhibition, which features 23 carpets from various Azerbaijani weaving schools, more than 10,600 visitors explored the collection, demonstrating strong public interest in Azerbaijani textile traditions.

The exhibition "Harmony of Beauty. The Timeless Elegance of Azerbaijani Carpets" will be open from May 18 to July 31, 2025, in Hall 1 of the National Museum of History of Moldova, located at 31 August 1989 Street, 121A, Chișinău.