Vishapakar

A vishap

A vishapakar (Armenian: Վիշապաքար) also known as vishap stones, vishap stelae, "serpent-stones", "dragon stones", are characteristic monoliths found in large numbers in the Armenian Highlands, in natural and artificial ponds, and other sources of water. They are commonly carved from one piece of stone, into cigar-like shapes with fish heads or serpents.[1] Supposedly they are images of vishaps, a water dragon of Armenian folklore.[2] There are about 150 known extant vishap stelae, of which 90 are found in Armenia.[3]

  1. ^ Historical Dictionary of Armenia
  2. ^ James Russell, "Van and the Persistence of Memory", p47, in "Armenian Van/Vaspurakan", ed. Richard G. Hovannisian, 2000.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Heritage was invoked but never defined (see the help page).