#Exhibit of the Month

The grapevine plant, now widespread across the globe, traces its origins back to the Upper Cretaceous geological period, when species of Vitis Linn appeared on Earth (Mesozoic era), followed later by Vitis vinifera L., the latter already classified among cultivated agricultural plants. Most researchers link the origin of the cultivated grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) to the wild forest species Vitis sylvestris Gmel. Thickets of Vitis sylvestris Gmel. can still sporadically be found in the groves along the Prut and Dniester floodplains.

During the Precucuteni III - Trypillia A period (ca. 4750-4600 BC), the presence of cultivated grape seeds was clearly documented on pottery from the settlement of Ruseştii Noi I, layer I, kiln A, consisting of a seed impression on a ceramic fragment, with the elongated beak characteristic of the domesticated species Vitis vinifera L. Another seed impression of Vitis vinifera L. was recorded at the settlement of Vărvăreuca VIII, identified on the wall of a painted vessel from the Cucuteni B - Trypillia CI stage (3800-3500/3300 BC).
In October, on the occasion of the National Wine Day, the National Museum of History of Moldova presents to your attention a unique relic in Southeastern Europe. The exhibit originates from the settlement Brînzeni VIII "Sâiece," belonging to the Cucuteni-Trypillia culture and dated to the Cucuteni AB2 - Trypillia B2 phase (ca. 4050-3800 BC), located in Brînzeni village, Edineț district. The site lies 2 km southwest of the locality, in a triangle formed by the confluence of the Racovăț and Drobiște streams and the local road L36 Bădragii Vechi-Brînzeni. Positioned on land 25-30 meters above the valley, it was discovered in 1966 by archaeologist Nicolaie Chetraru and investigated through excavations between 1978-1980 by Vsevolod Marchevici.
The October exhibit is a grapevine leaf impression discovered in 1980. It comes from pit no. 5, partially investigated, with a maximum depth of 155 cm. From the same archaeological complex near dwelling no. 1, several grape seeds were also recovered, as noted in the excavation report. The grapevine leaf impression appears on a coarse clay lump, fired and vitrified due to secondary burning, reddish in color, with an irregular rectangular, flattened shape. The outer surface is uneven and rough. The impression surface is smoothed, with the leaf veins clearly highlighted. Measuring 99 mm in length, 110 mm in width, and 28-31 mm in thickness, the exhibit presents in full splendor an authentic grapevine leaf impression. Some researchers attribute it to the domesticated grapevine Vitis vinifera L., while others, more skeptical, consider it a wild species. Nevertheless, being discovered in a well-documented archaeological context, together with grape seeds near a dwelling, it provides evidence that grapevine was part of Cucuteni community life 6,000 years ago. These findings allow us to affirm that the process of domestication and the creation of table grapes was already underway. The diversity of Cucuteni ceramic forms, as well as the painting on some vessels, undoubtedly suggests their use as containers for various liquids. Accordingly, the emergence of wine among Cucuteni communities can be taken into consideration.

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Publications

Library „Tyragetia"

Studies on Museology (II)

Series “Biblioteca “Tyragetia” XXIII, Chisinau, 2013. 228 p. ISBN 978-9975-80-765-4; 978-9975-80-766-1.

The volume Studii de muzeologie, II (Museology Studies, II) was officially launched at the end of December 2013 at the National Museum of History of Moldova in the context of a series of scientific and cultural events honoring its 30^th anniversary from foundation on December 21^st, 1983.

The volume appeared in the series Biblioteca „Tyragetia" XXIII (Library „Tyragetia" XXIII) with dr. hab. Eugen Sava and dr. Aurel Zanoci as coordinators, and dr. hab. Elena Ploșnița as responsible of edition. The graphical presentation was done by Ivan Litsiuk and Mihai Sava, the photography is authored by Iurie Foca, and the editing was ensured by Vlad Pohilă and Mariana Balan. The print was done at Bons Offices, on quality paper, on 17x25 format.

On the brown cover appears the museum coat of arms and on the back cover feature abstracts from reviews on the volume signed by dr. hab. Ion Niculiță and dr. Valentina Ursu. The summary includes important scientific contributions in the field of museolgy from the country and from abroad.

Beginning with a short preface signed by dr. hab. E. Sava, the volume has as starting point the Proposal for public policy regarding the modernization and streamlining of museum activities. In April 2012, the Ministry of Culture of Republic of Moldova created a working group who elaborated the project Public policies regarding streamlining museum activities from its subordination. After public debates, the project has been approved in July 2013 by the Inter-ministerial Committee for Strategic Planning from State Chancellery. Two options of the project are to be implemented starting with 2014. Option no. 2 is Management based on performance and development of museums business and educational competences and Option no.3 is Accreditation of collections management and funding of projects for collections development.

The value of this volume relies on the scientific authority of its authors. Among them is the patriarch of museology from contemporary Romania - prof. dr. Ioan Opriș, who presented the study Museographic realities and horizons in which he succeeded in motivating the realities of contemporary museology from Romania and in arguing the perspectives of museum institution evolution.

The study signed by Aurelia Cornețchi - Museum Night - a welcoming concept -surprises with richness of information. The author thinks that the cultural phenomenon Museum night has „revolutionized the museum institutions and has an extraordinary impact on the large public and is a phenomenon in full ascent"

The study made by Lucia Marinescu-Tonu puts to the forefront issues of heritage pedagogy which can contribute to the economic development, social cohesion and active citizenship.

Dr. hab. Elena Ploșnița in Museum heritage - a few lines of reflection and action highlights the need for development of museum institution's heritage based on proper scientific concepts, while the development of the museum itself should start from a management based on marketing policies and information technologies.

The study signed by Adelaida Chiroșca presents the show of an interesting collection - Sealing matrix from the heritage of the National Museum of History of Moldova.

Iurii Piatnițki dedicates a detailed study to the personality of Mihail Mihailovici Savostin, a well-known Russian collector from the end of 19^th-beginning of 20^th century.

Ann Nicholls proposes to the reader a presentation of the European Museum Academy which aims at attracting museographers and museum institutions from Republic of Moldova in the activity of this institution founded by European museographers on the occasion of the 10^th commemoration of the late curator Kenneth Hudson, based in Holland. The academy has the goal to stimulate museum thinking, support of museum research, stimulate pioneer ideas in museum practice etc.

Conceived as a consolidated volume, Studii de muzeologie incite and also inform, its publication being of absolute utility. Written in a clear and sober stile, it will certainly find an honored place among works specific to this field.

The study has a fair edition given the actual conditions. It is essential for this volume to be included in all specialized and public libraries.

We recommend with warmth this volume of studies which is goes in line with the tradition of museum research of the National Museum of History of Moldova.

Dr. hab. Elena Ploșnița