In this video, Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian shares a painting by an unknown artist which depicts a scene from Easter. In the Armenian Church there are five great feast days (Daghavars). They are Christmas, Easter, Vartavar, Assumption of Saint Mary, and Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The week preceding each Daghavar is a week of fasting, except for Easter which has its own seven week fast (lent). The day after Easter is called merelotz, which is a solemn day for remembrance.
1946 Book Raises Funds for Displaced Armenians
After World War II, there were thousands of Armenians liberated from German prisoner of war camps. We have several books in our collection that were published during this time period, telling the story of George Mardikian and the Armenian National Committee for Homeless Armenians (ANCHA). In one book published in 1946, we found a memo written to Dr. Aram Boghosian requesting that instead of sending payment, he should make a donation to one of the organizations assisting these refugees and displaced persons. Many of them were eventually resettled in other countries including the USA.
Dance the Bijo with Us
Dance is a vital part of Armenian culture, and its preservation is important to us here at the Museum. In this video, Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian takes us step-by-step to learn one variation of the popular Bijo dance that originated in Sebastia.
While this video is not about an artifact in our collection, many people know that Gary’s talent and passion is in preserving and teaching Armenian folk dance, so it is not forgotten. Gary demonstrates this high energy dance, which was adapted as Sebastatsis immigrated to communities like Springfield and Providence in the aftermath of the Genocide.
Ancient Monastery Relics
In this video, Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian shares two priceless items rescued from Armenian monasteries that now lie in ruins in the aftermath of the Genocide. The first is an inscribed iron doorknob from Tomarza's Sourp Astvatsatsin Monastery. The oldest book in our collection, the Garabed Gospel, was kept in Tomarza in the 18th and 19th centuries.
A Replica of a 15th Century Khachkar
A khachkar, or Armenian cross-stone, is a carved memorial that often has additional motifs such as the tree of life and eternity symbol. The artifact in this video is one of two replicas. The original 15th century khachkar was gifted by the late Catholicos Vazgen I to St. Vartan’s Cathedral in New York. Before it was installed, a casting was made for two exact replicas, one of which is on display at the Museum of Natural History in New York and the other was donated to our collection.
The Purple East
William Watson was an English poet popular for celebratory content, eulogies, and idealism. His book of sonnets, “The Purple East,” was an attempt to bring attention to Britain’s lack of intervention in the Armenian massacres of 1895. Although his views were not always well-received, he was regarded as a sincere and passionate poet. In this video, Curator Gary Lind Sinanian displays a special edition of this book and others by Sir Watson in our collection.
Hidden in Her Braids
In 1987 this item was brought to us in a trunk from Helen Takesian of Tuscon, AZ. This carved wooden tea and coffee box tells the story of her grandfather, Krikor Melkonian, a well-known merchant that took up the hobby of wood carving. In this video, Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian tells a beautiful story of how coins hidden in his daughters’ braids began this hobby and saved his life!
Mother Armenia
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but in some cases it’s more than that. In some cases it can represent a nation: St. Patrick and Ireland, a bald eagle and America, a dragon and China, a Lion and the UK. For Armenia? The aptly named Mother Armenia figure conjures up feelings of national pride. Click to listen as Collection Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses how this symbol came to be and what she means to Armenians.
House Dioramas
The impact of tragedy and loss effects us all differently, but for Armenians who survived the Genocide, there was a common response to remember and sometimes recreate what was lost. From gardens, to furnishings and more, Armenians often bring or create something of the homeland no matter where they go. Some have even taken it a step further and actually recreated their home, but in miniature. Watch as Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses why this was done and the way in which it manifests as a form of folk art, including in tiny houses!
Attic Treasures
Recently a local member of our community found documents in their home that tell the story of entrepreneur Hovsep Ajemian of Kharpert and his wife Verjin Farmanian. The documents are fascinating pieces of a puzzle about the life they start together and about their journey to America. Learn more about this story as told by Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian.
Rug Cartoons
A lot of people are taking a second look at their homes after spending more time inside over the past year. Renovations, additions, or even just a new coat of paint are transforming our homes. However, No cozy room is complete without a rug! Thankfully we have online suppliers with quick shipping and returns, but that was not always the case. Click to watch as Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses the process of selecting and purchasing a rug in the early 20th century.
Memory Books
The Armenian Museum’s collections, library, and archives house material related to every facet of Armenian life. Because of the way we catalogue and store items for preservation, it is sometimes difficult to see the connections among objects upon initial examination. However, one simple question can open the informational flood gates and these connections suddenly make themselves very well known! Click to watch as Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses a recent experience of this nature, and the histories he connected as a result!
Daghdaghan
Over the past few weeks Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian has been sharing objects with which one might protect themselves from evil. Pretty useful information in this trying year. Continuing with this trend, this week we are featuring the Daghdaghan, a carved symbol for protection. These items are often found in the home, particularly the kitchen, but watch to learn about the more interesting places you might hang one and how to make sure you’re getting the real thing!
Forgotten Heroes of the Armenian Legion
The Armenian Legion was the first volunteer military unit comprised of all Armenian soldiers that fought in WWI in 1916. The unit was trained and led by French army commanders of the Légion d'Orient (The Eastern Legion). In this video, Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian presents from our Bilezikian Room that serves as a tribute in memory of Beatrice and Krikor Bilezikian and to the Armenian soldiers that have served and reminds us of those that paid the ultimate sacrifice in a time of war.
Investigating the Hidden Secrets of a Merchant’s Desk
Do you think you can find all the hidden compartments in this merchant’s desk? There are more than you might imagine! Join Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian as he explores this secretive object to uncover its mysteries. Gary discusses the significance and history of this merchant’s desk, its ownership, and his initial difficulties finding all the hidden drawers when the object was donated.
Throughout the centuries, Armenian merchants were known and respected in Asia and Europe, building businesses and networks that spanned both continents along the Silk Road. Their connection to both East and West through culture and language enabled them to become cross-cultural intermediaries. At times, they used their economic clout to influence political decisions for the betterment of other Armenians.