Rug Book Collection

The Armenian Museum houses over 200 Armenian rugs, but more than ten times that number of books about rugs! In this week’s video Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses one of these books that itself is a piece of history - it is the first book written about rugs by art historian Julius Lessing. Watch this video to learn about our collection and the significance of this book in particular.

George Mardikian

While we are all familiar with Armenian cuisine today, this was not always the case. Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses the man who arguably introduced Americans to Armenian foods and recipes, George Mardikian. Watch to learn more about the man and his passion!

Wedding Dress

In America we typically envision wedding dresses as flowing white gowns, but in Armenia this was not the case. Instead a very fine dress would be worn, which would also be worn at other important events throughout the woman’s life. The dress in this video is not only representative of the Armenian wedding dress style from Erzurum, but is a testament to the spread of cultural traditions and styles as the people who practice them move around the globe. In this video you can learn more about the history of this dress with Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian.

An Explanation of Three-Paneled Dresses

“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.

The Art of Darvish

Here at the Armenian Museum, our mission is to educate the public about Armenian art and culture, and as such our galleries are filled with typically Armenian works. However, like any other culture, Armenian culture does not exist in a vacuum and can reflect influences from other traditions. This week, Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses the Persian influence over one family of Armenian artists. The artist André Sevruguin, who painted using the name Darvish, was a son of the Armenian photographer Antoin Sevruguin.

Earthquake Relief Campaign

In 1988, Armenia was hit by a devastating earthquake. Naturally those in the diaspora sought ways to help those impacted by the earthquake, but the needs were so great it was hard to know where to start. That was until one young girl from Jrashen Village came to Massachusetts for treatment and sparked an idea of how to help. Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses the development of this fundraiser to link Jrashen with its namesake Watertown.

Altar Curtain

The Armenian Museum has many interesting and sometimes confusing objects. This week we are featuring one of those pieces: an altar curtain. Used to cover the altar during lent, altar curtains have significant religious symbolism and serve as a status symbol for the church. This piece, however, is of unconfirmed origin and has a great deal of interesting imagery. Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses the importance and potential source of this incredible piece.

Liturgical Vestments

Liturgical vestments are viewed as opulent and precious. While you might think of how other clothing is made, did you ever consider where or how these sacred pieces are created? It’s a little-known fact that the tradition for Armenian priests is that upon their ordination their families produce their garments. Watch as Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses the creative process behind the liturgical vestments we hold so dear.

The Mardouni Theater Company

Al Vega, the beloved Boston jazz player sadly passed in 2011. He was renowned for his skill and for playing with jazz greats including Billie Holiday and Miles Davis. But Mr. Vega was not the only performer in the family. His father, Nigol Vagramian was the founder of the Mardouni Theater Company from Chelsea, Massachusetts. This troupe travelled and performed around New England to great praise. Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses the group and the impact they had on their audiences.

Recordings & Original Scores of Alan Hovhaness

Much like writing text or letters, most people write music on computers these days. Once upon a time, however, scores were written by hand and only printed later once the work was complete. These original handwritten sheets of music are rare, but at the Armenian Museum we have several sets from the prolific composer Alan Hovhaness. Hovhaness was a Massachusetts native who decided on his career path at a very young age. Watch as collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses the career and legacy of Alan Hovhaness.

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.

The Art of Jack Kevorkian

The Armenian Museum’s collection spans the entirety of Armenian history and culture, including contemporary artwork and political commentary. This week we look at a piece of socio-political art in our collection from the late 20th century. The imagery is powerful and it is all the more interesting because of the artist: the late Dr. Jack Kevorkian. Click to watch as Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses the doctor, his artwork, and his inspiration.

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.

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!

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.

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!

18th Century World Maps

In a world with Google Maps and Waze navigation, paper maps have gone the way of the dinosaurs for most people. In the 18th century, however, maps were a vital and coveted item, particularly for merchants. While made for navigation, cartography became an artform as evidenced by the fine detail in the cartouches and depictions of animals and landmarks. Those displayed in the video above were produced in Armenian by the Mekhitarist Order in the 18th century. Watch as Collection Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses trade, maps, and the role of geopolitics in the creation of new maps.