The “Miros de pâine caldă – Pâinea în Dacia” exhibition at the Muzeul Satului Bănățean in Timișoara explores the everyday life of the Dacians in relation to bread production, drawing from archaeological findings and historical sources.
According to Dorel Micle, the museum’s director, this exhibition represents a scientific endeavor stemming from a close collaboration between researchers, museographers, and specialists from several institutions, including the Museum of Dacian and Roman Civilization in Deva, the County Museum of History and Art in Zalău, and the West University of Timișoara. The aim is not only to showcase the archaeological heritage but also to enhance understanding of the complexities of human society.
The exhibition highlights the symbolic and ritualistic dimensions of bread, as reflected in ceremonial practices and its mythic significance, which have deep roots in contemporary culture. Micle noted that a thorough analysis of archaeological contexts and presented artifacts illustrates the interdependence between technological evolution and cultural expressions, thereby providing an interdisciplinary perspective on the history of food in Dacian, proto-Romanian, and later Romanian contexts.
This careful integration of archaeological evidence with cultural narratives seeks to portray how bread transcended mere sustenance to become a cornerstone in social rituals and mythologies, underscoring its enduring significance in human civilization. The exhibition is an invitation to delve into the rich cultural heritage of the Dacians, revealing how bread-making practices were intertwined with their social, cultural, and technological advancements. Through such exhibitions, museums aim to foster a greater appreciation of historical lifestyles and traditions, enriching visitors’ knowledge of past societies and their development.
