Armenian woman of Alexandropol in traditional dress

An Armenian woman from Alexandropol (Gyumri) in traditional urban dress. The photograph was taken in 1897; the photographer was F. Orden.

She wears a headscarf covering her head and shoulders, a forehead ornament made of chains, a patterned outer garment and a wide belt. She holds prayer beads in her hands.

Alexandropol was an important cultural and craft centre, where distinctive traditions of dress and adornment had developed.