#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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The archaeological workshop "EU4Dialogue: Archaeology"

4-6 June, 2024

At the National Museum of History of Moldova (NMHM), between June 4-6, the archaeological workshop "EU4Dialogue: Archaeology" took place, a scientific event that brought together archaeologists from the Republic of Moldova, Germany, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Romania, with the aim to address topics in the field of archaeology, cultural-historical heritage, but also about the way to connect archeology with the technologies of the future, creating a digital register of archaeological sites in Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and the Republic of Moldova.

The opening event took place in the Blue Hall of NMHM. At the official opening of the Workshop, welcoming words were presented by the General Director of NMHM, dr. hab. Eugen Sava, Director of the Eurasia Department of the German Institute of Archeology Prof. Dr.hab. Svend Hansen State Secretary of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova Ion Budeci, General Scientific Secretary of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova dr. hab. Liliana Condraticova, who noted the international importance of the scientific event organized in Chisinau.

For the substantial contributions in the research activity in the field of archeology and for the effective collaboration with the academic environment of the Republic of Moldova, Mr. Prof. Dr.hab. Svend Hansen was awarded the "Dimitrie Cantemir" medal from the Academy of Sciences of Moldova.

The scientific communications within the Archaeological Workshop "EU4Dialogue: Archaeology" took place in the Conference Hall of NMHM, where over two days, several communications were presented, with reference to various aspects of the research and safeguarding of archaeological sites in Europe East and Caucasus. The presentations covered a wide range of topics, from the inventory and management of archaeological sites to their evaluation and excavation. A special emphasis was placed on the development and use of electronic databases for archaeological sites in Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and the Republic of Moldova. Also, issues related to access to maps and digital data essential for specialists in the field were discussed, highlighting technological developments and their impact on archaeological research. Thus, the event offered a comprehensive perspective on the progress and challenges in the field of archeology but also on the need to create a common database of archaeological sites.

The event was organized by the Göthe-Institut Georgia branch, the Eurasia Department of the German Institute of Archeology and the National Museum of History of Moldova with the support of the European Union.

#Exhibit of the Month

Clay Vessel discovered in Speia Village, Dubăsari District

The archaeological workshop "EU4Dialogue: Archaeology"

4-6 June, 2024

#Exhibit of the Month