The exhibit of the month for November is a rare glass goblet from the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov cemetery, discovered in Tigheci. Dated to the second half of the 4th century AD, this remarkable artifact demonstrates the craftsmanship of the time, made from translucent greenish glass with a truncated cone shape and intricate geometric decoration. The goblet features three rows of hexagonal facets, framed by incised lines, and a row of elongated ovals under the rim, characteristics which classify it within Series VII A, according to E. Straume's classification. These ornamental traits hint at artistic influences from various regions and indicate the spread of technologies and ideas within the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov culture.
Archaeological Context of the Discovery
The Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov cemetery at Tigheci is located in a historically complex area, positioned on the northwest slope of the Tigheci River, at the "La Lutărie" point. First identified in the 1980s following unauthorized clay extraction, the cemetery has suffered considerable damage, leading to the loss of valuable artifacts and the destruction of graves. Among the objects recovered by Mr. Ion Pușcașu, founder of the Museum of History and Ethnography in Tigheci, are wheel-thrown ceramic items reflecting the traditions and techniques of communities during the Migration Period.
The site was first archaeologically investigated in 1990, when a complete inhumation grave was found, though lacking any inventory. Subsequent surveys in 2013 and 2015 by the National Archaeological Agency revealed ongoing erosion damaging the cemetery, necessitating a rescue excavation in 2017. This campaign documented and investigated five graves from the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov culture, including the skeletal remains of a male individual estimated to have been 40 to 45 years old at the time of death, offering additional insights into the demographic structure of this community.
Cultural Significance and Comparisons
The hexagonally faceted glass goblet is among the most valuable artifacts from the Tigheci cemetery. Similar goblets are characteristic of the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov culture and have been found in notable sites such as Târgșor and Bârlad-Valea Seacă (Romania) and Gavrilovka, Ranjevoe (Ukraine), reflecting the cultural and trade connections of this community with other centers of influence in Late Antiquity. Ancient texts and cultural parallels suggest a complex interaction zone with Hellenistic and Roman influences, reflected in luxury goods production such as this glass goblet.
The military camp of Charles XII at Varnița near the Bender Fortress
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. VII [XXII], nr. 1, Arheologie. Istorie Antică
Военный лагерь Карла XII в селе Варница возле Бендерской крепости
В 1990-е годы сотрудники Национального музея истории Молдовы провели обследование территории у села Варница, где, согласно письменным и картографичеким данным, был последний лагерь шведского короля Карла XII. По результатам обследования музей приобрел часть территории, на которой создано отделение музея «Военный лагерь Карла XII». В 1993 г. в районе памятного обелиска, установленного в 1920-е годы правительством Румынии по просьбе шведской стороны, был заложен разведовательный шурф, который выявил остатки каменного строения и артефакты начала XVIII в. В настоящее время Национальный музей истории Молдовы работает над проектом полномасшабных раскопок территории бывшего лагеря Карла XII, с целью его восстановления и последующей музеефикации.
Список иллюстраций:
Рис. 1. Топографический план с. Варница с указанием места расположения «Лагеря Карла XII».
Рис. 2. Расположение «Лагеря Карла XII» по отношению к крепости Бендеры (по плану Эйтгера, 1840 г.
НМИМ, ОФ-6790).
Рис. 3. План «Лагеря Карла XII» (по плану Эйтгера, 1840 г. НМИМ, ОФ-6790). Рис. 4. Варница. План и разрез раскопка на территории «Лагеря Карла XII».
Фото 1. Варница. Мемориальный памятник, установленный на месте «Лагеря Карла XII».
The exhibit of the month for November is a rare glass goblet from the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov cemetery, discovered in Tigheci. Dated to the second half of the 4th century AD, this remarkable artifact demonstrates the craftsmanship of the time, made from translucent greenish glass with a truncated cone shape and intricate geometric decoration....
The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
31 August 1989 St., 121 A, MD 2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
