Since ancient times till nowadays, as part of outfit belt has acquired a wide usage and significance in the custom of Armenians.
In traditional wearing belt played a multifunctional and symbolistic role.
As part of wearing belts had different functions. First of all they were used for practical, social, protective, symbolic (for example red belt was used exceptionally by married women)functions. They also had aesthetic significance. For men belt was a symbol of power.
Metal, silver, golden and gold plated belts with metal clasps were made by engraving, enameling techniques.
The belts of Armenia’s different historical ethnographic regions are marked for their technique, form of clasps, ornaments.
In the words of NCSO’s scientific research division’s head Karine Bazeyan various belts were used as a part of traditional Armenian clothing. “Belts made of different materials were used: metal, leather and various fabrics: woolen, silken and cotton. In traditional Armenian clothing noteworthy are red and yellow silken belts for women, where along with geometrical images were also minutes. Belts were used both by men and women of different ages and classes. Of course in the garments of children they looked more like cords for fixing the clothes, while in the clothes of adults belts were of special significance”.
The inextricable part of NCSO’s ethnographic fund are the silver belts made in the end of the 19th and at the beginning of the 20th century by the masters of Shushi, Tbilisi. They were displaced from the museums of Dilijan and Harich and since 1988 are kept in NCSO’s funds. Since those times up today the silver belts have never been exhibited.
“Our silver belts are highly valuable cultural items, on which the seals of the masters exist, due to which the era of the belts could be defined”, mentioned Karine Bazeyan and added that the silver belts reserved in the funds of NCSO have got features typical to them which is manifested in the manner of making them, in the ornaments and the form of clasps.
The belts from Alexandropol are thick and are consisted of clasps, silver ornamented fabrics which are placed on leader tape in a way that fixed to each other it looks like a whole silver belt. The lower part of the belt is edged by silver lace-like knitting which is typical for this region. The belts of our funds are for men, the evidence of which is their thickness.”
In ancient times kings used to wear gorgeous belts. The rich class wore belts on solemn days. Sometimes magical qualities were ascribed to belts: it was used as a spell or favorable amulet.
