Armenian women of Zangezur in traditional dress

The photograph was taken in Zangezur at the beginning of the 20th century. It shows three Armenian women in the traditional dress typical of Syunik. Their heads and shoulders are covered with white scarves, and their mouths with a white cloth. The women wear long arkhalukh robes and patterned silver belts. The woman in the middle holds a jug on her shoulder, and a clay pitcher stands on the ground on the left.

The dress of Zangezur was distinguished by its austerity and, at the same time, its richness. The white kerchief covering the mouth was an ancient custom that spoke of a woman’s restraint and virtue.