Khachkar

Armenian cross-stones art.
Symbolism and craftsmanship of Khachkars
Խաչքար
The famous khachkar at Goshavank, carved in 1291 by the artist Poghos
CountryArmenia
DomainsSculpture
Reference00434
RegionEurope and North America
Inscription history
Inscription2010 (5th session)
ListRepresentative

A khachkar (also spelled as khatchkar) or Armenian cross-stone[1] (Armenian: խաչքար, pronounced [χɑtʃʰˈkʰɑɾ], խաչ xačʿ "cross" + քար kʿar "stone") is a carved, memorial stele bearing a cross, and often with additional motifs such as rosettes, interlaces, and botanical motifs.[2] Khachkars are characteristic of medieval Christian Armenian art.[1][3]

Since 2010, khachkars, their symbolism and craftsmanship are inscribed in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.[4]

  1. ^ a b The Grove Encyclopedia of Medieval Art and Architecture. — Oxford University Press, 2012. — Vol. 2. — P. 222."'Khatck'ar' [Armen.:'cross-stone'] Typical Armenian stone monument, comprising an upright slab (h. c. 1—3 m) carved with a cross design, usually set on a plinth or rectangular base. "
  2. ^ Thierry, cover sleeve.Thierry 1989
  3. ^ Gough M., The Origins of Christian Art, London, 1973
  4. ^ "Armenian cross-stones art. Symbolism and craftsmanship of Khachkars". UNESCO Culture Sector. Retrieved 2010-11-20.