#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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Events Archive

World Refugee Day

June 20, 2023

In the yard of the National Museum of History of Moldova, on June 20, 2023, an event commemorating World Refugee Day was held, organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova and UNHCR. The theme of this year's edition of World Refugee Day - "Hope far from home: a world where refugees are always included" - is extremely relevant in the context of the strong example of refugee inclusion offered by the Republic of Moldova.

"It is also a day when we must recognize a painful reality: we live in a world where there are 35 million refugees. A world struggling to resolve the conflicts, persecution and violence that forces so many people to flee their homes," said UNHCR representative Francesca Bonelli. She added that "it is still an opportunity to remind ourselves that working together is the only way to transform this painful reality into something that ensures a better future for all, regardless of where they come from."

In accordance with the Government's marking of the Year of Ukrainian Culture in the Republic of Moldova, the theme of this year's World Refugee Day commemoration reflects this initiative.

"World Refugee Day is an opportunity to show solidarity with refugees, to recognize their importance and contributions to society, but also to ensure that their rights and dignity are protected," said the Minister of Culture, Sergiu Prodan. He emphasized that "we must recognize that refugees, once given the necessary support and opportunities, have the potential to make significant contributions to their host communities, to enrich the societies in which they seek refuge. As a nation, we have consistently demonstrated our commitment to providing protection and assistance to those in need. Our efforts to provide refuge, resettlement and integration opportunities for displaced people are a testament to our values of compassion, empathy and inclusion."

The event included a performance by the National Youth Orchestra of the Republic of Moldova, with special performances by high-ranking UNHCR supporter Valentina Nafornița and saxophonist Igor Znatokov from Ukraine.

The National Museum of History of Moldova is honored to be the host of such an event and offers support to any initiative to help people in need.