Armenian woman from Akhaltsikhe in traditional costume

This archival photograph shows an Armenian woman from Akhaltsikhe in traditional costume. She is shown in profile. She wears an ornate headdress with hanging chains and round pendants, over which falls a fine veil with a flower-patterned lace border. The collar and front of her dress have ornamented borders, and she wears necklaces.

At the bottom of the picture is an inscription in Russian and French: “Caucasian type – Armenian woman of Akhaltsikhe.”

This costume was characteristic of the Armenian population of the region. It was not merely everyday clothing but also an expression of social standing and family status.