Page updated:3/17/2
Abrahamian, Levon and Nancy Sweezy, eds. (2001) Armenian Folk Arts, Culture,
and Identity. Photography editor Sam Sweezy. Bloomington: Indiana University
Press.
Armenians
express their legends, beliefs, and histories in their cultural creations —
through art and architecture, festival and music, myth and religion, book and
lifestyle. These artistic expressions of culture reside at the core of Armenian
identity and tell the story of how Armenians came to be the people they are
today. Nine Armenian scholars explore the origins and meanings of Armenian identity
though symbols and the objects with which Armenians have historically surrounded
themselves. Expressions of ethnic identity are also explored through articles
of clothing and jewelry. Myths and legends that convey Armenian values and beliefs
are observed in community celebrations such as feasts and festivals, music,
and wedding rituals. More than 260 photographs illustrate the vital artistic
heritage of Armenia. This beautifully designed book brings to English-speaking
audiences an increased understanding of the history and creativity that have
shaped Armenian culture and identity.
Table of Contents
Preface Levon Abrahamian
About This Book (Nancy Sweezy)
1. Origins
1.1. In the Beginning (Hamlet Petrosyan)
2. Symbols of Armenian Identity
2.1. The World as a Garden (Hamlet Petrosyan)
2.2. The Sacred Mountain (Hamlet Petrosyan)
2.3. The Temple (Hamlet Petrosyan)
2.4. Writing and the Book (Hamlet Petrosyan)
2.5. The Khachkar or Cross-stone (Hamlet Petrosyan)
3. Settlements, Dwellings, and Inhabitants
3.1. Home as the World (Harutyun Marutyan)
4. Artifacts and Artisans
4.1. Wood (Harutyun Marutyan)
4.2. Clay (Hamlet Petrosyan and Harutyun Marutyan with material on salt jars
and salt by Levon Abrahamian, Harutyun Marutyan, Hamlet Petrosyan, and Hripsime
Pickichian)
4.3. Copper (Hamlet Petrosyan and Harutyun Marutyan)
4.4. Carpets (Ashghunj Poghosyan)
4.5. Needle Arts (Anush Sharambeyan)
5. Personal Adornment
5.1. Costume (Svetlana Poghosyan)
5.2. Jewelry (Hrachya Margaryan)
6. Fight, Feast, and Festival
6.1. The Blacksmith (Aghasi Tadevosyan and Hamlet Petrosyan)
6.2. Festival and Feast (Hripsime Pikichian with material on the royal feast
by Hamlet Petrosyan)
6.3. The Call of Zurna (Hripsime Pikichian)
6.4. The Wedding Tree (Hripsime Pikichian)
Afterword (Levon Abrahamian)
Glossary
Notes
Bibliography
Contributors
Index