Preserving history: Moldovan experts bring rare artifacts to life
Inside the laboratories of the National Museum of History of Moldova, specialist conservators are restoring damaged heritage items through a meticulous process blending history, science, and fine craftsmanship.
A team of 12 specialists working across five restoration laboratories is currently stabilizing and repairing rare historical artifacts prior to public exhibition.
Restoring ancient pottery and sacred art
Among the key pieces undergoing restoration is a massive storage vessel from the ancient Cucuteni-Trypillia civilization. Conservators Marina Guzun and Daniela Ferroni, who bring nearly three decades of experience to the museum, are rebuilding missing sections and reintegrating colors.
"We reconstruct missing structural supports before restoring decorative motifs and colors," said Guzun. "Each artifact is fully conserved and documented before returning to the exhibition halls."*
In the icon restoration laboratory, specialist Svetlana Lupașco works on historical religious panel paintings, including an antique icon depicting Saint Nicholas.
"Restoration is both artistic and scientific work," Lupașco stated, referencing historical photographic records used to track structural and visual repairs.
Preserving rare ethnographic textiles
The museum's textile conservation department handles traditional garments, woven carpets, and rare ethnographic fabrics under the direction of department head Ecaterina Bondarenco.
Bondarenco is currently repairing a rare set of 19th-century bridal veils. The restoration involves carefully unpicking decayed threads and hand-stitching damaged sections to match original weaving patterns.
Museum officials emphasize that heritage preservation remains an ongoing effort long after an object returns to display.
"Restoration is a continuous process," noted Livia Ermurachi, Deputy Director of the National Museum of History of Moldova. "Collection managers constantly monitor displayed artifacts and step in with further conservation measures whenever necessary."
Translation by Iurie Tataru
