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.
Types of decorative elements in headwear of the Scythian women
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. VII [XXII], nr. 1, Arheologie. Istorie Antică
The study analyzes the Scythian women's headwear based on the discoveries in Scythian barrows with female burials. By decorative elements there were identified several types of headwear. As a rule, they were worn by representatives of aristocratic layers of society and highlighted their social status. Despite the diversity of decorative elements it can be noted a common element for all the head-dresses - the representation of the fertility goddess.
List of illustrations:
Fig. 1. Golden appliqué on a cylindrical head-dress depicting a goddess wearing a crown (polos).
Fig. 2. Scene of adoration on a gold miniature from the Melitopol mound.
Fig. 3. Image of the goddess on earrings from the mound No. 10 near the village of Bol'shaya Znamenka (Zaporizhia Oblast).
Fig. 4. Pendant with the image of the goddess Hera (the village of Belozerka, Zaporizhia Oblast).
Fig. 5. Reconstruction of a head-dress based on investigation of materials from the mound No. 22 near the village of Kamenka (Mykolaiv Oblast).
Fig. 6. The layout of decorations on a head-dress (mound No. 22, near the village of Vil'na Ukraina, Kherson Oblast).
Fig. 7. Reconstruction of head-dress by decorative elements from the mound No. 22, near the village of Vil'na Ukraina (Kherson Oblast).
Fig. 8. Openwork appliqués for the decoration of a head-dress from the mound No. 22 near the village of Kamenka (Mykolaiv Oblast): a - palmette; b - images of a sphinx and a griffin in a heraldic composition.
Fig. 9. Openwork plates from the set for the decoration of a head-dress from the mound No. 22, near the village of Vil'na Ukraina (Kherson Oblast): a - plate with a representation of a sphinx and a griffin in a heraldic composition; b - openwork ribbon with the representation of a tree with birds.
Fig. 10. Reconstruction of a head-dress by the ornaments from the mound No. 22, near the village of Vil'na Ukraina (Kherson Oblast).
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
