An Exploration of 5 Traditional Armenian Artisan Craft Traditions
Armenia has an incredibly rich, vibrant, and diverse cultural history. This history is reflected in various traditional artisan craft traditions, which have preserved Armenia’s culture for generations. Let’s take a deep dive into the history of some of Armenia’s most emblematic craft traditions.
1. Khachkars: Medieval Christian Steles
Khachkars are one of the most defining characteristics of Armenia’s famed medieval Christian art. These carved, cross-bearing memorial steles are typically decorated with various motifs. In 2010, UNESCO added khachkars, their symbolism, and their craftsmanship to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Typically, khachkars feature a cross above a rosette or solar disc. The remaining surface is adorned with detailed patterns of leaves, grapes, pomegranates, and intricate interlace. Some khachkars are topped with cornices depicting biblical or saintly figures.
Originally, khachkars were built to seek salvation for souls, living or dead. They were also used to commemorate military victories, mark the construction of churches, or offer protection from natural disasters. Each piece shows intricate artistry and embodies the richness of Armenia’s enduring culture and history.
The first khachkars were carved in the 9th century, during Armenia’s cultural revival after the end of Arab rule. The art of khachkar carving reached its peak between the 12th and 14th centuries but declined during the Mongol invasion in the late 14th century. It experienced a revival in the 16th and 17th centuries, though it never regained its former artistic heights.
Today, the tradition continues, with carvers still active in parts of Yerevan. Visitors can find the best-preserved examples of khachkars in Geghard, Haghpat, and Goshanavak. There are also several ideal khachkars at Yerevan’s Historical Museum.
2. Ancient Carpet-Making Tradition
Since ancient times, carpets in Armenia have been more than just functional objects. They adorn walls, furniture, and tables, acting as elegant entrance veils and dressing for church altars. The craft of carpet weaving has been a staple of Armenian households for generations, traditionally practiced by women. Traditional Armenian carpets are tapestries of sacred symbols, reflecting the spiritual beliefs of ancient Pagan Armenia as well as Christian motifs. They come in various styles and colors with a dive diversity of symbolic ornamentation.
Armenian carpet and rug weaving is an ancient art form. However, given the delicate nature of carpets, few examples of ancient carpets have withstood the test of time. Only one carpet from the ancient, pre-Christian era has been discovered, and a limited number from the early medieval period reside in private collections and museums across the world.
3. Traditional Armenian Pottery
Pottery is a time-honored Armenian tradition dating back to the third millennia BCE. In ancient ruins, archaeologists have found large vessels etched with various symbols. These pots were used for storing water, preserving food, and holding wine.
In pre-Christian bronze age times, Armenian women crafted distinctive salt jars shaped like pregnant women. They ranged from 1 to 3 feet tall and were fired in traditional sunken hearths called tonirs. These jars all feature a pregnant belly with an open navel for filling with and dispensing salt and may be decorated in either realistic or abstract art styles.
As salt lost its value and ritual importance, the production of these containers ceased. However, their unique shape attracted attention in the 1960s, and smaller versions became popular as souvenirs.
4. Armenian Woodworking
Armenian woodworking is celebrated for its precision and intricate detail. Using age-old carving methods, artisans draw inspiration from local architecture and nature to transform local woods like walnut, cherry, and apricot into pieces that are both decorative and functional. This includes sophisticated furniture, religious objects, and traditional musical instruments like the tar, kamancha, and duduk.
Dating back thousands of years, the duduk is one of the oldest double-reed instruments on earth. It is crafted from apricot wood, with a cylindrical form, eight finger holes, and a large conical reed. The instrument’s tones are deeply emotive, and its sound is integral to Armenian and Caucasian folk music. You may have heard it yourself in the scores of movies like Gladiator and Blood Diamond.
In recognition of its unique sound and cultural value, UNESCO placed the duduk on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008.
5. Taraz: Traditional Armenian Clothing
The Armenian Taraz, or traditional clothing, is one of the oldest and most significant crafts in Armenian culture. It is traditionally made from wool, fur, and local cotton. In earlier times, Armenian royalty made this clothing from imported silk until the region began producing its own.
This traditional attire is imbued with colors representing the four elements of earth, water, air, and fire. Each of these elements represents a different virtue, such as courage, divine justice, prudence, and purity. While many crafting techniques are still used to create traditional garb today, some have been lost over time.
Each region in Armenia has its unique style. Places like Van-Vaspurakan and Cilicia are known for their distinct embroidery. They feature unique ornaments and color combinations that reflect the diversity of Armenian heritage.