HISTORY MUSEUM OF ARMENIA

Treasures of Artsakh: Part III

Treasures of Artsakh: Part III

Treasures of Artsakh: Part III

Relics of Artsakh (Artsakh in the Middle Ages)

A cross stone with two central crosses. The narrowing part of the bottom was set into the ground (or on the pedestal). The side parts of the cross are bordered with the ornament of texture, and the upper part is decorated with a chain of flower-shaped rosettes. The two central crosses are separated from each other by a vertical flower chain. Bunches of grapes stretch from the upper parts towards the center of the cross, and flower decorations rise above the cross foundations. The main peculiarity of this Khachkar is the iconography of the lower part. Two figures (woman and man) each hold a flower-like ornament in their hands, which serve as handles for the central crosses. There are images of two birds between them.

The cross stone is one of the most characteristic symbols of Armenian culture. The depiction of the cross has an old tradition in Armenian culture, acquiring the association of salvation during the Middle Ages. Over the centuries cross stones have been erected for various secular and spiritual occasions: the “victory” of Christianity, the salvation of the soul, for the celebration of military victories and significant historical events, the building of churches, the curbing of the natural disasters, and other occasions related to the medieval way of life.

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