Geghhovit tapanakar 31

Front side. The entire southern carved face presents a wedding procession scene. The bridal cortege advances first with the mounted groom, then with the mounted bride. The groom is depicted wearing a crown, one hand on his chest and the other holding the horse’s bridle. A chain belt is visible on his attire, and his horse is adorned with protective amulets. The bride is without a crown but richly ornamented, with a necklace of pendants and earrings. Two animals meet the couple on their path: a goat before the bride and a deer before the groom. Among the figures of the procession is one holding a wine jar and, in the other hand, the tree of life. Notably, in many regions of Armenia, up until the early 20th century, weddings featured decorative ceremonial trees, known as groom’s tree or urts. A pomegranate or apple was fixed at the top, symbolizing, in this case, the indissolubility of marriage. Musicians were obligatory participants of the wedding, and in this scene a performer plays the saz. Following this is the banquet table with its inseparable elements: jars, plates, and loaves of bread. Overseeing all of this appears the deceased, shown with arms crossed on the chest and a braided belt around the garment. An inscription frames the scene.

Back side. Under five columned arches are cross motifs, each distinct from the other.

Lateral sides. On the eastern side is a spread-winged eagle grasping a ram in its talons (according to S. Barkhudaryan). The wings and feathered body of the eagle are finely rendered. On the western side is a deeply carved, stylized woven cross, with no empty space left around it, the master having filled the entire area with vegetal ornament.

Upper side. Without ornamentation.