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 Soviet state bodies, aimed to address the problems of religious denominations in the interwar period (1918-1940)
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. VIII [XXIII], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
This article is dedicated to the government bodies authorized to implement the religious policy of the Soviet state in the interwar period. In the interwar period in the USSR, there were three groups of authorities responsible for overseeing the activities of religious denominations. The first group consisted of bodies concerned with technical implementation of the Soviet legislation on religious cults. They were authorized to register or remove the registration of religious communities, to transmit the building and other structures in the use of religious communities (republican Departments of Cults, provincial or regional executive bodies). The second group consisted of the institutions that determined the religious policy of the state, considered relevant legislation and resolved questions regarding the registration and liquidation of religious communities (Interdepartmental Commission at the Commissariat of Justice (1918), the 8th Division of the Commissariat of Justice (1918-1922), Antireligious Commission (1922-1929). The third group included the bodies which had the prerogatives of both of the above groups: registration or deregistration of religious communities, harmonization of legislation concerning religious cults (the Commission for Religious Affairs of the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of the RSFSR (1929-1934) and the other one, under the same name, which operated under the Presidium of the USSR Central Committee (1934-1938), the Councils of People’s Commissars (all-union and republican), and the Supreme Soviets (all-union and republican) (1938-1943)). In the interwar period in the USSR, there were many bodies responsible for the development and implementation of the religious policy of the state, which led to all sorts of violations and abuses. Attempt to unify the bodies responsible for the relationship between the state and religious groups was made in 1943, when the Council for Russian Orthodox Church at the Councils of People’s Commissars of the USSR was established, and in 1944, when the Council for Religious Denominations, also at the Councils of People’s Commissars of the USSR, was formed.
Nicolae Fuștei
Religious Communities of Evangelical Christian Baptists in the MSSR (1944-1965)
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. XIII [XXVIII], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Nicolae Fuștei
Books of metropolitan Dosoftei kept in various European collections
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. II [XVII], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Nicolae Fuștei
Pastoral-social service of the Metropolitan Gabriel Banulescu-Bodoni
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. V [XX], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Nicolae Fuștei
An attempt of periodization of the history of relations between the Soviet state and the religious denominations
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. XI [XXVI], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Nicolae Fuștei
The Metropolitan Gavriil Bănulescu-Bodoni. Administrative activities at Kiev Bishopric
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. I [XVI], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie Chișinău, 2007
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
