#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

The opening of the photographic exhibition "Picasso.Intimo."

September 11, 2023

On September 11, the National Museum of History of Moldova had the honor of hosting a special event, the opening of the photographic exhibition "Picasso.Intimo.", which celebrates the legendary Spanish artist Pablo Picasso and his impressive work.

The Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in the Republic of Moldova, based in Bucharest, in collaboration with the National Museum of History of Moldova, organized this exhibition to highlight the artist's vision and contribution. With Picasso's words in mind, "a painting lives only through the one who seeks it", the exhibition invites visitors to make their own connections with the work and personality of Pablo Picasso.

During the opening event of the exhibition, the General Director of MNIM, Mr. Eugen Sava highlighted the importance of Pablo Picasso's personality for contemporary culture and history and, H.E. Jose Antonio Hernan Perez-Solozano, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain in the Republic of Moldova, based in Bucharest, pointed out the uniqueness of the photographs and exposed the fact that the talent of Roberto Otereo, the public in the Republic of Moldova can better familiarize themselves with the universe of Pablo Picasso.

Roberto Otero (1931-2004), Argentine photographer, journalist and writer, had the privilege of immortalizing Picasso in the privacy of his home at Notre-Dame-de-Vie in Mougins. His photographs, featured in this exhibition, offer an intimate glimpse into the maturity of the artist and the complicity between the photographer and his subject. This unique exhibition, which includes selections from the Otero Collection of the Picasso Museum in Malaga, offers a rare opportunity to discover the lesser-known side of Picasso.

The photographic exhibition "Picasso. Intimo." will be open to the public until October 12, 2023, in the hall on the ground floor of the National Museum of History of Moldova, Chisinau, 31 August 1989 street, no. 121A. We invite everyone interested to come and explore the fascinating world of Picasso through the lens of Roberto Otero.

#Exhibit of the Month

Clay Vessel discovered in Speia Village, Dubăsari District

The opening of the photographic exhibition "Picasso.Intimo."

September 11, 2023

#Exhibit of the Month