The …at Hand exhibition offers a presentation of the heritage through a museographic approach centered on accessibility and inclusion
Designed to engage visitors through a tactile experience, the exhibition highlights representative artifacts from various historical periods, providing a multisensory journey through the Romanian past.
What is the exhibition about?
The exhibition offers the public an opportunity to explore fragments of the past and categories of cultural heritage through replicas of artifacts from the museum’s collection. These elements invite personal discovery, unrestricted by typological boundaries. The exhibition encourages visitors to engage directly with the museum’s heritage, allowing for both tactile interaction and individual interpretation.
The exhibition starts from the story of the renowned anthropomorphic statues discovered at Cernavodă, The Thinker and his pair, emblematic symbols from the collection of the National History Museum of Romania. This initial section continues with a selection of artifacts that reconstruct the complexity of the material culture during the Neolithic period. The journey continues with exhibits relevant to the history of the Dacians and Romans, emphasizing the cultural, military, and social interactions of classical antiquity.
The medieval period is illustrated through religious objects, while the 20th century is brought into focus through military artifacts, such as a Adrian-type helmet, and everyday items that document daily life.
Through this chronological and thematic structure, the exhibition seeks not only to convey historical information but also to foster an authentic connection between the public and cultural heritage. Presented in an accessible format, it promotes an inclusive and empathetic understanding of the past.
1. A-B “The Thinker” and its pair, “Seated Woman” (replica) – anthropomorphic figurines, Hamangia culture, Neolithic period, 5th millennium BCE
Masterpieces of prehistoric art, these figurines were discovered in 1956 during archaeological excavations led by Professor Dumitru Berciu in the necropolis of the Hamangia culture near Cernavodă, Constanța County—the first major Neolithic cemetery identified in Romania.
The artifacts are made of fired clay and measure 11.5 cm in height.
Exceptional anthropomorphic representations, they reflect the existence of two essential figures, likely symbolizing the belief in the dual principles of masculinity and femininity. Over time, the two figurines have been published and promoted under the names “The Thinker and Seated Woman” or “The Thinkers of Cernavodă.”
“The Thinker”
The artifact depicts a figure, likely male, seated on a four-legged stool. The human silhouette is stylized. The torso is arched, and the head—approximately rhomboidal in shape—with a long, conical neck, is slightly bent forward. The arms are bent, with the elbows resting on the knees, and the palms raised to the cheeks, supporting the head and giving the figure a contemplative posture. The legs are parted and flexed at the knees.
The piece has been published and widely promoted under the name “The Thinker of Cernavodă,” and ,together with its female counterpart, is often referred to as “The Thinkers” or “The Thinker and Seated Woman.”
“Seated Woman”
The figurine represents a seated female figure, with both arms resting on the left knee. The human form is stylized. The face is oval, with oblique eyes and a prominently modeled nose. The neck is long and conical. The chest, abdomen, and hips are prominently shaped. The legs are separated, with the left leg bent at the knee, and the right—fragmentary—appears to have been extended forward.
2. A Anthropomorphic Figurine – model inspired by the artifact discovered at Vânători–Rufeni, Iași County, Cucuteni Culture, Eneolithic Period, First Half of the 4th Millennium BCE.
Schematic, fusiform anthropomorphic figurine modeled from clay, representing a standing female figure.
The upper part is rendered with a small head, a thick neck, and a narrow, flat torso. Two lateral extensions represent the arms. The breasts are indicated by two small protrusions, while the abdomen is slightly rounded. The hips are emphasized. The lower section is elongated, with a thickening at the knees and a tapered bottom. The legs are only partially separated at the top, marked by a shallow incision. The surface of the figurine features an elaborate painted decoration composed of geometric motifs, suggesting elements of clothing, adornment, and/or body tattoos.
These miniature representations of the female silhouette – more or less abstracted and exhibiting considerable diversity in shape, decoration, and artistic execution—reflect the aesthetic canons and spiritual beliefs of the Neo-Eneolithic world.
Expressive, and laden with emotional and symbolic content, many of these anthropomorphic renderings are considered true masterpieces of prehistoric art.
They are interpreted as expressions of daily life, female identity, divine representations, or cultic objects. Their existence is intimately linked to the spiritual life of prehistoric societies, conveying through symbolic imagery the values and principles of femininity. These artifacts provide insight into the development of the community, as well as into the beliefs, interests -artistic or otherwise – and ideals of ancient peoples. Femininity and motherhood were undoubtedly sources of complex meanings for prehistoric humans and remain deeply rooted in the modern collective consciousness. Delicate and seemingly fragile, these clay figures still provoke reflection today, inviting questions such as: What defines womanhood? What is its role in the broader process of human evolution?
B. Zoomorphic Figurine – Aurochs (Replica), Cucuteni Culture, Eneolithic Period, First Half of the 4th Millennium BCE, Discovered at Mihoveni–Cahla Morii, Suceava County
The artifact was discovered, along with five similar objects, in a ritual pit, placed above a human skull. The figurine realistically portrays a quadruped in a standing position, with a massive body. It features a short, thick neck, a pointed snout, and incised lines indicating the mouth and eyes. The prominent horns suggest that the animal depicted is an aurochs (Bos primigenius).
Belonging to the broader category of Neo-Eneolithic zoomorphic figurines – an artifact group that has received particular attention in the scholarly literature due to its presumed ritual significance – the object is likely associated with the spiritual life of prehistoric communities and with magico-religious practices tied to fertility, fecundity or hunting cults. The aurochs cult, in particular, is well-documented and widely recognized.
At the same time, the study of such zoomorphic representations contributes to our understanding of animal husbandry and aspects of daily life in prehistoric societies. Ultimately, artifacts of this type further underscore the originality and complexity of the spiritual worldview of the Neo-Eneolithic world.
3. Spectacle-type fibula, contemporary jewelry (Paul Popa donation)
The spectacle-type fibula is a contemporary piece of jewelry crafted from 3 mm diameter brass wire (a yellow-colored metal), inspired by the spectacle fibulae discovered in the bronze and iron hoards unearthed at Tărtăria–Podul Tărtăriei Vest, along the route of the A1 motorway, Orăștie–Sibiu segment.
4. Replica - Getian princely helmet made of gilded silver, discovered in the tumular tomb of Agighiol (Tulcea county) in 1931, second half of the 4th century BC (ca. 340-330 BC).
In 1931, on the territory of Agighiol commune (Tulcea County), at a site known as Movila lui Uţă, treasure hunters uncovered a remarkable hoard, which was subsequently recovered by the authorities. The find proved to be a tumulus measuring 32 meters in diameter and 2 meters in height, forming part of a funerary complex constructed from stone and wood. The entrance corridor (dromos) led to a first structure consisting of two chambers with a funerary function, followed by a second structure referred to as the “horse chamber,” where the remains of three ritually sacrificed horses were discovered.
The exceptionally rich grave goods include objects made of gold, silver, iron, bronze, and ceramics, dating to the late 4th century BCE. Among the most notable items are a helmet, two greaves, two goblets, and five phialai (libation bowls). The assemblage also comprises appliqués, ornamental buttons, beads, arrowheads, weapons, ceramic vessels, and horse harness fittings.
5. Roman Coins - replicas
6. Unguentaria created by students of The National University of Arts
Unguentarium made by free-blowing semi-transparent, orange glass. It has a pear-shaped body, a tall and narrow neck ending in a flared, ring-shaped rim, and a slightly concave base. The vessel features a raised spiral decoration made of brown glass.
Unguentarium made by free-blowing transparent glass. It also has a pear-shaped body, with a tall, narrow neck ending in a flared, ring-shaped rim and a slightly concave base
7. Replica - Metope (scene), The Triumphal Monument “Tropaeum Traiani” from Adamclisi, AD 109
Metope 28 is part of the triumphal monument inaugurated in 109. The monument had 54 limestone metopes, a trophy on the roof, and, according to the fragmentary inscription, it was dedicated to the god Mars. The construction was shaped like a cylindrical drum, with a diameter and total height of 40 meters.
The bas-relief depicts two soldiers with weapons at their feet (with spears and shields), turned to the left. The exact context in which the metope was found is unknown, but in 1874, it was in Istanbul, transported by the order of the Ottoman authorities.
8. Replica - The Biertan Donarium, 4th century AD
Dated to the 4th century, the donarium is a rectangular bronze artifact featuring an attached disc inscribed with the monogram of Christ. The Latin inscription, arranged in three lines — EGO ZENO / VIUS VOT / UM POSUI, translated as I, Zenovius, have placed this offering — together with the Christogram, constitutes a valuable source for studying early Christianity.
Discovered in 1775 near Biertan, in present-day Sibiu County, the artifact was once part of the Brukenthal Collection. Alongside other inscriptions and early Christian basilicas uncovered within the territory of modern Romania, the Donarium contributes to the reconstruction of the Christian history of the 4th to 6th centuries
9. Replica – “The Gospel of Humor” (1473), and two parchment folios made of kidskin
Replica – The Gospel of Humor and two parchment folios made of kidskin.
Written on parchment at the Monastery of Putna by the order of Stephen the Great in 1473. It was later donated to the Monastery of Humor, where it was bound in gilt silver. It contains a miniature depicting a portrait of Stephen the Great, executed during his reign.
10. Replica - French helmet ‘Adrian’ md. 1915
Replica – French helmet ‘Adrian’ md. 1915, produced in over 20.000.000 units and used by the Romanian Army from 1917 during the First World War.
The helmet has in the frontal area the cipher of King Ferdinand I.
11. A platter-type dish crafted by master potter Cornel Sitaru (donated by Sergiu Popescu)
A utilitarian piece crafted by master potter Cornel Sitaru from Baia Mare, Maramureș County. Specifically, it is a platter-type dish featuring two symmetrically placed handles on the left and right sides of the rim.
These handles are applied in relief to the edge of the dish, rising to a height of approximately 2 cm. The decoration is executed on a white background and consists centrally of four petals, four leaves, and four branches. The handles are also ornamented in the same shades of brick red and green.
The piece is glazed on both the front and back, except for the base, which bears the handwritten name of the craftsman, „Sitaru,” along with the name of the country, „Romania.” The decorative paint is applied in relief, while the background and glaze are uniformly applied. The piece underwent two firings.
12. Rotary Dial Landline Telephone, Electromagnetica Factory (Uzina Electromagnetica – UEM) in Bucharest, model EM-72, serial number RS 72492. Dated: 1970s–1980s
In the United States, the first patent for a rotary dial telephone was granted to Almon Brown Strowger on November 29, 1892. However, the familiar form featuring finger adaptations in the dial was not introduced until the early 20th century. Rotary dial telephones, such as the one presented here, were commercially launched by the Bell System with the introduction of the Western Electric Model 50AL in 1919.
The type of telephone featured in this exhibition was widely used in Romania during the second half of the 20th century, both in private households and in state institutions.
The exhibition is implemented through the project “Inclusion and Education for Vulnerable Persons” (InSEVE), ref. no. 2024-1-RO01-KA210-ADU-000252410, funded by the European Union’s Erasmus Plus programme.
