As part of the project, about 20 “objects of diaspora” were identified. These are items that are found in most (not all) diaspora homes in most (not all) diaspora communities. Inherited or bought, precious or inexpensive, these objects symbolize the ancestral culture and lifestyle. For some, they also signify their will and determination to preserve their Armenian identity.
Armenian Heritage Center in Valence, France, has identified and put on display a certain number of “objects of identity” of Armenian-French households. The idea was extended internationally to several other communities. The list of objects was devised based on the results of an informal survey. Those who participated in the survey photographed the objects that they associated with Armenia and/or Armenian identity in their homes or in their parents’ homes.
Three of these objects were randomly selected for the presentation here:
1.
The Ararat Mountains: The image of Ararat Mountains is the most common object in diaspora homes everywhere. It usually comes in the form of a painting or a reproduction of a painting, placed somewhere in the living room or the dining room. Sometimes a carpet or a photograph version is used. (Here, the painting is the work of Armenian-Russian artist Ivan/Hovhannes Aivazovsky, late 19th century).
2.
Oriental coffee set: The set composed of a coffee maker, a grinder and little cups is found in almost every diaspora kitchen. In some homes it is used on daily basis and in some it is just a décor item. In tea-drinking countries such as Iran, the Armenian attachment to drinking oriental coffee is one of the markers of ethnic distinction. In contrast, in countries such as Lebanon and Syria where the "host nation" (the Arabs) drink the same or similar coffee (with or without Cardamom), Armenians do not consider drinking oriental coffee or the coffee set as ethnic identity markers.
3.
Charles Aznavour LPs/CDs/cassettes/etc.: One of the few diaspora objects that is comparatively new and was produced in the diaspora itself. This item is associated with Armenian identity and not with Armenia. Aznavour music can be found in almost every diaspora home including in countries where the French language is not commonly used. Most Armenians do not understand the lyrics but associate Aznavour’s music with his Armenian roots rather than with the French culture.
