#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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Events Archive

Opening of the Exhibition “Maria Cebotari: Life and Opera”

June 5, 2025

On June 5, 2025, the National Museum of History of Moldova inaugurated the exhibition "Maria Cebotari: Life and Opera", marking 115 years since the birth of the renowned soprano. The event brought together specialists, artists, and representatives of cultural institutions, offering the public insight into the artistic journey of Maria Cebotari.

The exhibition features 140 original pieces, including photographs, documents, personal belongings, and artworks, many of which are being showcased publicly for the first time. These items provide a comprehensive view of the soprano's professional evolution, highlighting her significant contribution to European cultural heritage. Some of the exhibits were donated to the museum by Maria Cebotari's son, Fritz Curzon-Diessl, while others come from private collections belonging to cultural personalities. The selection was curated by Maria Evdochimova, who structured the materials to reflect the essence of the soprano's artistic legacy.

During the opening event, Dr. Serghei Pilipețchi, a tenor at the Maria Bieșu National Opera and Ballet Theatre, delivered a speech emphasizing Maria Cebotari's unique interpretative style and her role in the development of lyrical art. Lică Sainciuc, a painter, complemented the occasion by offering an artistic perspective on the soprano's image and the visual impact of works inspired by her.

#Exhibit of the Month

Roman Bronze Situla (1st century BC – 2nd century AD)

Opening of the Exhibition “Maria Cebotari: Life and Opera”

June 5, 2025

#Exhibit of the Month