An Armenian man from Tiflis in national costume

The photograph shows an Armenian man from Tiflis (Tbilisi) in national costume, at a moment of his daily work. With his right hand he steadies a wide, loaded tray placed on his head; a scale hangs from his shoulder on chains, and a wicker basket hangs on his arm. He wears a long-sleeved jacket, a belt, wide trousers and striped stockings. He stands in front of a painted backdrop.

His posture is confident and calm, and his gaze conveys self-assurance and dignity. Tiflis was once one of the important cultural and economic centres of the Caucasus, where Armenians played a significant role in shaping city life.