Armenian Needlelace: A Dance of Knots and Loops

As strong as it is delicate, Armenian needlelace is among humanity’s oldest and most intricate forms of needlework, evoking mountains and rainbows of home, and connecting ancestral lines throughout the Armenian diaspora worldwide.

Made with knots and loops of cotton or linen thread, the lace’s distinctive interlacing patterns — thought to trap or confuse evil spirits and intentions — also appear on ancient Armenian architecture and stone carvings, depicting Earth-honoring elements of culture and place to protect and adorn the sacred.

Through this presentation featuring historic and contemporary Armenian needlelace works, we can imagine the makers’ stories as we celebrate their immense skill and handiwork, their exuberant creativity, and their exceptional persistence.