Woman-shaped salt vessels as one of the signifiers of Armenian folk culture
Since ancient times, Armenians have attributed various magical and auspicious qualities to salt. Across different settlements of Armenia, that holy seasoning was stored and served in unique, woman-shaped salt cellars. Those anthropomorphic small-sized pots have become one of the signifiers
Clogs as luxurious items of the Armenian dowry
The clogs that once belonged to an Armenian woman found their permanent place in 2013 in the collection of the British Museum ( See, clog (qabqāb), 19th century, Aleppo, wood, textile, metal, repoussé, the British Museum, 2013,6033.2.a-b). As part of a
A rare Mamluk-period red cotton tab embellished with the Armenian Marash embroidery
The tab that belongs to the Mamluk period was discovered in Fustat (the first capital of Egypt under Muslim rule and the historical center of modern Cairo), created in the Near East by Armenians or for Armenians (Tab with linked
A porcelain figure of an Armenian woman made by the Imperial Factory
The present figurine comes from the famous "Gallery Popoff," primarily dedicated to outstanding 18th-century porcelain. The gallery's founder Alexander Popov (1880-1964), was a Russian personnel officer. In 1919, he emigrated to Paris and, a year later, opened a curiosity shop,
Vardavar- Armenia’s joyful celebration of getting wet
Although now a Christian tradition, celebrating the transfiguration of Jesus Christ (the Feast of the Transfiguration), Vardavar's history dates back to pagan times. The ancient festival is traditionally associated with the goddess Astghik, who was the goddess of water, beauty,
The copes in the Met collection reflect the multiculturalism and wide horizon of the Armenian mercantile class
Armenian merchants played an essential role in facilitating trade in and outside Iran, so when the Safavid ruler Shah 'Abba' (r. 1587–1629) planned to revitalize Iran's economy, he resettled a community of Armenians from the city of Julfa to his
Treasures of Metsamor
During the excavations in the ancient site of Metsamor, which have been held for more than fifty years, the citadel with a palace and economic buildings, the unique shrines with alters, the “observatory” for viewing the celestial bodies, the “workshop”
Vishapaqar Dragon-stones: distinct monuments of Armenian culture
A vishapakar or vishapaqar (Armenian: Վիշապաքար), also known as vishap-stones, vishap-stelae, serpent-stones, dragon-stones, are characteristic monoliths found in considerable numbers in the Armenian Highlands, at or within natural and artificial ponds, and other sources of water. They are commonly carved
Armenian letters in the European distinguished fresco
The former residence of the Würzburg prince-bishops is one of the most important baroque palaces in Europe. It was begun for Prince-Bishop Johann Philipp Franz von Schönborn by the then young and unknown architect Balthasar Neumann (1687-1753); the shell of
Cultural crossroads: the art of Marco Grigorian
Marcos Grigorian, also known as Marco Grigorian (1925 – 2007), is considered one of the pioneering modern artists of Iran and one of the founders of Iranian Land art. During his prolific five-decade career – during which he was also
