#Exhibit of the Month

The grapevine plant, now widespread across the globe, traces its origins back to the Upper Cretaceous geological period, when species of Vitis Linn appeared on Earth (Mesozoic era), followed later by Vitis vinifera L., the latter already classified among cultivated agricultural plants. Most researchers link the origin of the cultivated grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) to the wild forest species Vitis sylvestris Gmel. Thickets of Vitis sylvestris Gmel. can still sporadically be found in the groves along the Prut and Dniester floodplains.

During the Precucuteni III - Trypillia A period (ca. 4750-4600 BC), the presence of cultivated grape seeds was clearly documented on pottery from the settlement of Ruseştii Noi I, layer I, kiln A, consisting of a seed impression on a ceramic fragment, with the elongated beak characteristic of the domesticated species Vitis vinifera L. Another seed impression of Vitis vinifera L. was recorded at the settlement of Vărvăreuca VIII, identified on the wall of a painted vessel from the Cucuteni B - Trypillia CI stage (3800-3500/3300 BC).
In October, on the occasion of the National Wine Day, the National Museum of History of Moldova presents to your attention a unique relic in Southeastern Europe. The exhibit originates from the settlement Brînzeni VIII "Sâiece," belonging to the Cucuteni-Trypillia culture and dated to the Cucuteni AB2 - Trypillia B2 phase (ca. 4050-3800 BC), located in Brînzeni village, Edineț district. The site lies 2 km southwest of the locality, in a triangle formed by the confluence of the Racovăț and Drobiște streams and the local road L36 Bădragii Vechi-Brînzeni. Positioned on land 25-30 meters above the valley, it was discovered in 1966 by archaeologist Nicolaie Chetraru and investigated through excavations between 1978-1980 by Vsevolod Marchevici.
The October exhibit is a grapevine leaf impression discovered in 1980. It comes from pit no. 5, partially investigated, with a maximum depth of 155 cm. From the same archaeological complex near dwelling no. 1, several grape seeds were also recovered, as noted in the excavation report. The grapevine leaf impression appears on a coarse clay lump, fired and vitrified due to secondary burning, reddish in color, with an irregular rectangular, flattened shape. The outer surface is uneven and rough. The impression surface is smoothed, with the leaf veins clearly highlighted. Measuring 99 mm in length, 110 mm in width, and 28-31 mm in thickness, the exhibit presents in full splendor an authentic grapevine leaf impression. Some researchers attribute it to the domesticated grapevine Vitis vinifera L., while others, more skeptical, consider it a wild species. Nevertheless, being discovered in a well-documented archaeological context, together with grape seeds near a dwelling, it provides evidence that grapevine was part of Cucuteni community life 6,000 years ago. These findings allow us to affirm that the process of domestication and the creation of table grapes was already underway. The diversity of Cucuteni ceramic forms, as well as the painting on some vessels, undoubtedly suggests their use as containers for various liquids. Accordingly, the emergence of wine among Cucuteni communities can be taken into consideration.

Virtual Tour

Events Archive

Round table ”Problems and perspectives of researching the atrocities of the totalitarian-communist regime and the memory of the victims of famine, repressions and stalinist deportations”

April 12, 2025

History Museum of the village of Avdarma, ATU Gagauzia

On April 12, 2025, in the village of Avdarma, ATU Gagauzia, the Round Table "Problems and perspectives of researching the atrocities of the totalitarian-communist regime and the memory of the victims of famine, repressions and Stalinist deportations" took place, an event organized by the History Museum of the village of Avdarma, in partnership with the National Museum of History of Moldova, the Institute of History of the Moldova State University, the Association of Former Deportees and Political Prisoners of Moldova, with the support of the Hanns Seidel Foundation - Republic of Moldova.

The public event brought together about 50 participants, including historians, museographers, archaeologists from Chisinau, Comrat and Tiraspol, as well as representatives of the local public administrations, preoccupied by documenting the atrocities committed by the Soviet occupation in the Moldavian (A)SSR and, respectively, focussed on the joint efforts to build a European culture of memory in the Republic of Moldova.

The event began with a visit to the History Museum of the village of Avdarma, followed by a flower-laying ceremony at the Memorial dedicated to the victims of wars and totalitarian-communist repressions in the locality of Avdarma.

The Round table was inaugurated by the Minister of Culture, Sergiu Prodan, who stated: "The days of remembrance and collective memory are more than simple commemorations - they are commitments for the future. Through events like the one in Avdarma, we give voice to the suffering and courage of the people who went through the hell of famine and Soviet repression. It is our duty to keep this memory alive, to learn from it and to build a society in which such atrocities can no longer take place. The culture of memory is a pillar of a united and dignified Moldova."

The founder of the History Museum of the village of Avdarma, Ignat Cazmalî, referred to the importance of documenting local history and memory, as part of the historical heritage of the Republic of Moldova.

The Head of the Contemporary History Section of the Institute of History of the State University of Moldova, Dr. Virgiliu Bîrlădeanu, emphasized the importance of commemorative actions for understanding the past, as well as the need for joint efforts in developing and promoting memory policies in the Republic of Moldova.

During the meeting, the speakers focused on the problems and prospects of researching the atrocities of the totalitarian-communist regime and honoring the memory of the victims of the famine, repressions and Stalinist deportations, especially in the localities of the ATU Gagauzia.

The event is part of the series of commemorative activities dedicated to the Day of Commemoration of the Victims of the Famine of 1946-1946 in the Moldavian SSR and urges historical knowledge and reflection on the atrocities of the Soviet occupation in order to prevent the repetition of crimes against humanity.