#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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Publications

Library „Tyragetia"

Elena Ploșnița

Museum. Traditionalism and modernity

Biblioteca „Tyragetia” XXXVII, Chișinău, 2022, 210 p. ISBN 978-9975-80-903-0; 978-9975-166-26-3.

The book "Museum. Traditionalism and modernity" is a theoretical reflection on what is a museum institution between traditionalism and modernity. Specific topics that draw up the museum between tradition and modernity are considered. The systematization and analysis of the latest achievements in Moldavian museography has been carried out. Both traditional and innovative processes in the evolution of the contemporary museum as a public institution are traced.

The work is focused on the problems of museums in the Republic of Moldova, the evolution of these institutions over the past 30 years in the dimension between traditionalism and modernity. The main milestones of this evolution are indicated, with many meanings, contradictions, and changes that mark it. In order to present a complete picture of the issue, a systematization and analysis of the latest achievements in Moldavian museography in three specific areas is given, taking into account the specifics of the functioning of a museum: collections, exposition, communication. The book may be of interest to specialists, since for the first time it approaches, in a comprehensive way, the problems of traditionalism and modernity in the museum system of the Republic of Moldova.

The monograph comes as an argument in support of the motivations for reforming and modernizing the traditional museums in the Republic of Moldova, and we hope that it will help museum professionals in the process of internal and external reforming and modernization of the institution. The contemporary museum in the Republic of Moldova remains a traditional one, designed even today as an ordinary institution, but it can become modern only through reform and reorganization, formulating a clear mission and specific goals, through efficient management of collections, by attracting visitors, by developing and implementing national and international projects.

Contents

Preface

1. MUSEUM COLLECTIONS: THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS

1.1. Museum collections management coordinates
1.2. Scientific records for museum cultural values
1.3. Research and classification of museum collections
1.4. Digitization of museum collections
1.5. Nominal assessment of museum cultural heritage

2. MUSEUM EXHIBITION: APPROACHES

2.1. The concept of museum exhibition
2.2. Typology and methods of organizing a museum exhibition
2.3. Permanent exhibition - a traditional necessity or a modern bagatelle?
2.4. Museum exhibition and information technologies

3. MUSEUM AUDIENCES: COMMUNICATION AND EDUCATION

3.1. Public relations/museum's relationship with the public
3.2. Traditional and modern museum communication
3.3. Education in a modern museum
3.4. Knowing visitors is a modern imperative

CONCLUSIONS

Bibliography
List of abbreviations
Summary (in English)
Summary
Annexes
Index of names
Index of museums