Khachkar - Armenian Cross Stone

grabcad

This is my initial 3D printed model, which I designed using guides from Shapeways and Google. The chosen printing technique was DLP/SLA with paintable resin. It is also my first Khachkar model, inspired by various khachkars I have seen. My design skills were developed through Rhinoceros software 2016 lessons at j-design.pro, and previous experience in Maya modeling. Khachkars are Armenian stone steles that serve as worship focal points, memorials, and spiritual connectors. They range from 1.5 meters to intricately carved crosses with sun or wheel of eternity symbols and vegetative-geometric motifs, saints, and animals. Carved from local stone, khachkars are meticulously crafted using chisels, dies, pens, and hammers before being ground with fine sand. Rough surfaces are smoothed with clay or lime plaster, and the finished product is painted. Erected during a religious ceremony, each khachkar is believed to possess holy powers, offering protection, blessings, and spiritual guidance. Over 50,000 unique khachkars can be found in Armenia, passed down through families or taught by masters to apprentices who preserve the traditional patterns while fostering regional distinctiveness and creativity. In 2010, UNESCO recognized the art of Khachkar as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity under the title "Symbolism and Craftsmanship of Khachkars, Armenian Stone Crosses."