Prime Minister attends opening of rare 12th-century Armenian wooden artifact in Yerevan

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan attended the opening ceremony of a unique medieval Armenian artifact at the History Museum of Armenia, marking the public unveiling of a wooden church door panel dating back to 1188. The historically significant artifact was acquired from the Sam Fogg gallery in London under a government decision, as part of a state program implemented by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports to purchase and repatriate cultural heritage items.

To secure the piece at an international auction and ensure its transportation to Armenia, the government allocated 175.36 million drams from the state budget’s reserve fund to the Cultural Development Foundation.

The intricately carved panel, made of eastern walnut wood, is attributed to the woodcarving traditions of the Bagratid period and dates to 1188. Its iconography combines biblical and royal themes, with a central depiction of Daniel in the lions’ den. The lower sections feature scenes of beast combat, reflecting symbolic parallels with the visions described in the Book of Daniel.

The composition also highlights a “winged” cross adorned with floral elements, symbolizing fertility and echoing the concept of the Tree of Life, a recurring motif in Armenian ecclesiastical art.

Experts and art historians have emphasized the artifact’s exceptional importance for the study of medieval Armenian culture.

The exhibit will be open to visitors starting April 3 at the History Museum of Armenia.