“Form follows function” is a phrase typically associated with architectural design. It usually means that the primary purpose of any design is to support the building’s intended purpose, and then it’s finessed into an aesthetically appealing look. In many cases this applies to fashion as well! In this video, Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses the influence of daily life for women on the design of their dresses. Watch this video to learn more about the practicality of these beautiful pieces.
Stencils
Career changes late in life are often quite difficult, even if they are by choice. Imagine being forced into such a change because not only did you lose your job, but your hand as well! That is what happened to the gentleman discussed in this week’s video. Out of tragedy was born opportunity, however, and this story has a happy ending. Watch as Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses how one man’s skill and attention to detail led to a successful stencil-making career.
A Gift from the Shah
In recent weeks we have discussed the Azgapetian Family and their work for Near East Relief. While this is some of the most important and meaningful work they performed, their pre-Genocide experiences are worth examining as well. In this week’s video, Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses the military life of General Mesrop Nevton Azgapetian and some of the honors that were bestowed upon him such as this elaborate men’s coat from the Shah of Persia. The Museum has an extensive collection of historic garments and textiles, donated by hundreds of people over the past 50 years.
Survivor's Costume
Do you remember when you were five years old? Many of us were starting kindergarten, learning our ABCs, and enjoying weekend cartoons. But for the young boy who wore the costume in this week’s video, childhood was a very different experience. Click to watch as Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses one of the few boys’ costumes in our collection, which belonged to a survivor of the Armenian Genocide from the town of Shatakh.
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.
Orphan Rug from Agin
While the Genocide of 1915-1923 is relatively well-known to the public today given its place in on the world stage of World War I, it was not the first time the Ottoman Empire had tried to eradicate the Armenian population from their ancestral lands. Between 1894 and 1896 an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 Armenians were murdered in what became known as the Hamidian Massacres. As in the Armenian Genocide, many children were left orphaned by this tragedy and orphanages had to find a means by which to raise money to care for the influx of children. Like the orphanages in the early 20th century, these institutions taught the children a skill and had them produce wares sold to the public. This rug from an Agin orphanage is one of these items but particularly interesting because it is not made of wool like most rugs – it is made of silk and has an inscription from the Bible in English that reads: "Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of the my brethren then these least ye did it unto me" (Matthew 25:40). Click on the image to hear Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian tell the fascinating tale of why this rug came to be and how it came to the Museum.
Tooth Rug
Many rugs were made by Armenian orphans of the Genocide, but this “tooth rug” is a remarkably unique rug made in the Near East Relief orphanages in Lebanon. While this object has been in the care of the Armenian Museum for many years, it is in fact on loan to the Museum from the American Dental Association. Why is it called the “tooth rug,” why was it made, and how did it end up with the ADA? Click on the image to find out! The Armenian Museum is proud to have featured this rug in many past exhibitions. Many who saw the rug were stunned to find out that they had seen it at their dentist’s office in Beirut, Lebanon growing up! WATCH THIS VIDEO to see Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian show this “tooth rug” and tell its story—and make sure you brush your teeth twice a day! On loan from the American Dental Association.