#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.

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Opening of the "I Love Sushi" exhibition

July 13, 2023

On July 13, at the National Museum of History of Moldova, took place the opening of the "I Love Sushi" exhibition, organized in partnership with the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Moldova and the Japan Foundation.

The Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Moldova, Yamada Yoichiro, emphasized the close connection between food and a country's culture, expressing its attitude towards life through ingredients, the method of preparation and associated culinary traditions. His Excellency also noted that although sushi may seem like a simple food, fishermen in Japan have developed specific skills over the centuries to clean and preserve the fish immediately after the catch, keeping it fresh and tasty. Like many peoples with distinct culinary traditions, the Japanese are proud of their national cuisine, which reflects aspects of life. In 2013, UNESCO included Washoku, the traditional Japanese food, in the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Livia Sîrbu, deputy director at the National Museum of History of Moldova, explained the exhibition concept, which was developed by the Japanese Foundation and is described in a manual on the basis of which the exhibition was organized. The exhibition is divided into three sections: introduction to sushi and discoveries related to this food, sushi in the Edo period, which highlights the cultural differences of this art, and sushi today. The exhibition has already been successfully hosted in Bucharest and is to be inaugurated in Spain as well.

Ana Varzari, general secretary at the Ministry of Culture, mentioned that Japan and the Republic of Moldova celebrated 30 years of diplomatic relations in March 2022, emphasizing the importance of this partnership. Both diplomatic missions made significant efforts to strengthen and promote national culture. Japanese gastronomic culture is characterized by naturalness, beauty and tradition, and sushi has become a famous creation of Japanese cuisine, influencing Western customs.

The "I Love Sushi" exhibition will be open to the general public until August 15, in Hall no. 1, ground floor, National Museum of History of Moldova, Chisinau, 31 August 1989 street, 121A.

#Exhibit of the Month

Clay Vessel discovered in Speia Village, Dubăsari District

Opening of the "I Love Sushi" exhibition

July 13, 2023

#Exhibit of the Month