#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.

Virtual Tour

Events Archive

Scientific Conference "Communication, mobility and trade during the Pre-Roman Iron and Early Roman Age in Central and Eastern Europe"

April 19-21, 2023

The Marie Curie-Sklodowska University in Lublin organized, in collaboration with the National Museum of History of Moldova and the Free University of Berlin, an important scientific conference on the theme "Communication, mobility and trade during the Pre-Roman Iron and Early Roman Age in Central and Eastern Europe". The event took place between April 19-21, 2023 and benefited from the financial support of the Alexander von Humboldt foundation.

The conference was attended by renowned researchers from Denmark, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic and Romania, as well as young researchers working in this area of science. The Republic of Moldova was represented by four specialists in the field: Ph.D., assoc. prof. Aurel Zanoci (MSU/NMHM), Ph.D., assoc. prof. Octavian Munteanu (ICSPU), Ph.D., assoc. prof. Mihail Băț (MSU) and PhD Vasile Iarmulschi (NMHM/FU Berlin).

The theme of the circulation of individuals and ideas in the last centuries of the pre-Christian era and the first centuries of the Christian era was approached from various perspectives and generated exchanges of ideas and the creation of new scientific networks. This event opened up new opportunities for researchers in Europe and brought together scientists from different countries to discuss the challenges and opportunities in this field.

The conference was a success and demonstrated that collaboration between specialists from different countries can lead to important results in the research of ancient history and culture.