Armenian Female Costumes

The dress of the Armenians reflects a rich cultural tradition. Wool and fur were utilized by the Armenians and later cotton that was grown in the fertile valleys. Silk imported from China was used by royalty, during the Ararat (Urartu) period. Later the Armenians cultivated silkworms and produced their own silk. The collection of Armenian women’s costumes begins during the Urartu/Ararat time period, wherein dresses were designed with creamy white silk, embroidered with gold thread. The costume was a replica of a medallion unearthed by archaeologists at Toprak Kale near Lake Van, which some 3,000 years ago was the site of the capital of the Kingdom of Van.