#Exhibit of the Month

Buckles (paftale) are an almost indispensable element of traditional women's dress in the Southeastern European area, particularly in the Balkans, and have been in use over a long period, from the 14th to the 20th century.
The word pafta is of Turkic origin-possibly entering the language via Iranian influence-derived from the Persian word bafta, meaning "woven," which evolved in Turkish to signify "plate." Today, the term is used in nearly identical forms in Romanian (pafta), Bulgarian (пафта), Serbian (пафте), and some Aromanian dialects (pafta), designating functional and ornamental clothing accessories used to fasten belts, girdles, or sashes, crafted from various materials and decorated using different techniques.
The three buckles decorated in the polychrome enamel technique, preserved in the collection of the National Museum of History of Moldova, belong to the South-Danubian tradition and are dated to the late 19th - early 20th century.

Each buckle consists of two identical trapezoidal parts, their surfaces divided into three roughly equal registers, adorned with stylized vegetal motifs forming a metal lattice into which enamel is poured. The two parts extend into sharp angles at the ends, forming a triangle with the edge of the last decorative register, similarly ornamented. The enamel used to fill the floral motifs is black, turquoise, white, orange, green, yellow, and burgundy. The entire decorative field is framed by a beaded border.

On the reverse, both components retain a copper band riveted along the edge, used to fasten the ends of the belt. The fastening system, made by interlocking the hinges of the two parts and secured with a movable pin attached by a chain to a clasp fixed on one of the buckle pieces, is concealed by a rectangular plate (riveted with three pins to the body of the piece), with narrow edges ending in sharp angles, decorated in the same style and technique. Additionally, it features three circular settings with notched edges bent inward to hold centrally placed red and green glass paste. These settings are framed by a radiant, notched band.

The symbolism of the color palette encodes meanings and symbols, chosen for their believed magical powers. Red has always represented love, affection, and protection against curses and the evil eye; white symbolizes purity and spiritual and physical cleanliness; blue is symbolically associated with infinity, morning, new beginnings, and transformation; green represents destiny, hope, prosperity, balance, and rebirth, being linked to nature's revival each spring and to life itself.

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Scientific Conference with International Participation "Saint John Paul II and the Catholic Church in the Republic of Moldova" and the Opening of the Exhibition "Saint John Paul II"

October 15, 2024

On October 15, 2024, the National Museum of History of Moldova, in partnership with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Chișinău and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, organized the scientific conference with international participation titled "Saint John Paul II and the Catholic Church in the Republic of Moldova."

The event took place in the Blue Hall of the museum, bringing together specialists and researchers from various fields. The conference aimed to explore the influence and legacy of Saint John Paul II on the Catholic Church and society in the Republic of Moldova, addressing themes relevant to recent history and the role of faith in community life. The conference included communication sessions where the following relevant topics were discussed:

• Ion Gumenâi (National Archives Agency/USM): "The Influence of the Catholic Church in the Moldavian SSR in the 1980s" - An overview of social and political changes.
• Fr. Petru Ciobanu (Roman Catholic Diocese of Chișinău): "The Establishment of the Apostolic Administration for Moldova" - The relevance of this institution for the Catholic community.
• Anna Skowronek (Adam Mickiewicz University): "The Formation of the Catholic Church in Bessarabia" - Historical context and development.
• Anatol Petrencu (USM): "Pope John Paul II and the Fall of Communism" - Moral and spiritual influence.
• Fr. Fabian Doboș (Al.I. Cuza University): "The Pope's Visit to Romania" - Key events and reactions.
• Anton Coșa (Museum of History, Bacău): "The Coat of Arms of Pope John Paul II" - The significance of its symbols.
• Lilia Zabolotnaia (National Museum of History of Moldova): "Nelea Saganova - Historian of the Catholic Church in Moldova" - Impact on historical research.
• Fr. Alois Moraru (Roman Catholic Diocese of Iași): "Relations Between the Dioceses of Iași and Chișinău" - History of collaboration.

In conclusion, Fr. Petru Ciobanu presented "The Altar of Gratitude," dedicated to the 39 members of the Catholic clergy who served in the Republic of Moldova, highlighting the significant contributions of each member. He emphasized important details from their biographies, including pastoral activities, community involvement, and their impact on the development of the Catholic Church in the region. This tribute recognized the dedication and sacrifices made by these spiritual leaders in support of faith and human values.

Additionally, during the conference, the opening of the exhibition dedicated to Saint John Paul II took place. The event included presentations by special guests and experts, who discussed the influence and legacy of this spiritual leader. Information panels placed along the museum's fence offered visitors the opportunity to explore the life and work of John Paul II, highlighting his achievements and the challenges faced during his papacy.

In conclusion, a word of thanks was offered, reaffirming the Catholic community's commitment to interreligious dialogue. Following this, His Excellency Anton Coșa, Roman Catholic Diocese of Chișinău, led a prayer for peace, emphasizing the desire for harmony among all religious communities.

The exhibition will remain open to the public until October 31, 2024.