Armenian Cross-stones Art: Symbolism and Craftsmanship of Khachkars
The perennial expression of Armenian craftsmanship and faith, the Khachkar (literally “cross-stone”), is an extraordinary work of Armenian art. Generations of artisans carved these objects of religious worship, and people believed they conveyed a holy power. Although there are no repeating patterns, you will see that inscriptions on each Khachkar always include ornamental symbols of a sun or a wheel of eternity. They also portray saints, animals, or other relevant elements.
Khachkars reach 1.5 meters in height, and have an ornamentally carved cross in the middle, resting on the symbol of a sun or wheel of eternity, accompanied by vegetative-geometric motifs, carvings of saints and animals. Khachkars are created usually using local stone and carved using chisel, die, sharp pens and hammers.
The carvings are then ground using fine sand. Small breaks and rough surfaces are eliminated by plaster of clay or lime, and then painted. Once finished, the Khachkar is erected during a small religious ceremony. After being blessed and anointed, the Khachkar is believed to possess holy powers and can provide help, protection, victory, long life, remembrance and mediation towards salvation of the soul.
Among more than 50,000 Khachkars in Armenia, each has its own pattern, and no two are alike. Khachkar craftsmanship is transmitted through families or from master to apprentice, teaching the traditional methods and patterns, while encouraging regional distinctiveness and individual improvisation.
