#Exhibit of the Month

The 21 beads form part of a bronze hoard found in 2019 within a forested area close to the town of Nisporeni. Alongside the beads, the hoard included numerous bronze ornaments (2 Röschitz-Sanislău-type fibulae, 7 necklaces, 12 rings, 22 tubes, 23 bracelets, and approximately 80 appliqués), one coral bead and a pendant made from a wild animal's tooth. At present, the amber beads are preserved in the collections of the Muzeul Național de Istorie a Moldovei, while the remainder of the hoard is in the possession of a private collector.
The hoard was discovered accidentally in a pit about 50 cm deep. The objects in this hoard are of Western origin, with known parallels in archaeological complexes from Poland, Hungary, Serbia, and Slovakia, and, to a lesser extent, in Romania. The presence of this bronze hoard on the territory of the Republic of Moldova illustrates the cultural dynamics of the region during the Early Iron Age and a fundamental shift in the vector of cultural influences from east to west.

The amber bead strand comprises 16 whole beads and five fragmentary ones. They have an elongated biconical shape and vary in size. The beads are brown-reddish in color; their lengths range from 1.1 to 3.1 cm, widths from 0.6 to 1.4 cm, thicknesses from 0.6 to 1.1 cm, and the perforation diameter ranges between 0.2 and 0.3 cm.
Amber beads appear in several bronze hoards dated to the Late Bronze Age in the eastern half of Slovakia and in Transdanubian Hungary. Parallels are also known from the Cioclovina Cave in Romania. With the onset of the Iron Age, amber items disappear from the Carpathian Basin for approximately 300 years, reappearing alongside the arrival of Scythian elements.
The bronze hoard discovered at Nisporeni is dated to the HaA2-HaB1-2 interval (1050/1000 - 800/750 B.C.).

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Events Archive

Opening of the Exhibition "Metallurgy – from Magic to Industry"

September 26, 2024

On September 26, 2024, the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted the opening of the exhibition "Metallurgy - from Magic to Industry," a remarkable event that sheds light on the evolution of metallurgical technologies over time and their impact on society.

In his opening address, Dr. hab. Eugen Sava, General Director of MNIM, welcomed the attendees, emphasizing that the exhibition offers a fascinating journey through the history of metallurgy, from the early metalworking techniques, often considered magical, to its modern industrial applications. Mr. Sava noted that in the past, metalworkers were viewed as sorcerers due to their secret knowledge and extraordinary skills, which inspired Dr. Mariana Sîrbu to propose the exhibition title "Metallurgy - from Magic to Industry." He also mentioned that this exhibition is designed not only for specialists but for all those interested in history and science.

Gheorghe Postică, Head of the Archaeology Department, provided an extensive presentation on archaeological findings that illustrate early metallurgical practices in the Carpathian-Danubian-Pontic area. "These artifacts, dating from the Bronze and Iron Ages, showcase the craftsmanship of ancient artisans and the role of metals in shaping the social and economic hierarchies of those times," he mentioned.

Concluding the event, Dr. Mariana Sîrbu, an archaeology specialist, explained the complexity of metallurgical processes and the innovative techniques used in antiquity. She also highlighted the invaluable contribution of these discoveries to the understanding of technological evolution in Moldova, referencing the unique items on display, such as tools, weapons, and jewelry, all of which hold great historical significance.

The exhibition features approximately 2,200 metallurgical pieces, including works of art and utilitarian objects, tools, machines, and industrial components, each demonstrating advanced metalworking techniques. The fine details and precise craftsmanship of each item underscore the technological and artistic evolution of metallurgy throughout history.

The public is invited to explore this captivating journey through the history of metallurgy until September 26, 2025.