Khachkar - Armenian Cross Stone

grabcad

This is my 1st model made for 3D printing ( I was using design guides from Shapeways and Google for all about 3D printing. So my choice for this sculpture is DLP/SLA printing with paintable resin ) and it is my 1st Khachkar model, completely my design - as the impression and inspiration from all I have seen khachkars. I have start learning Rhinoceros software 2016 at j-design.pro. I was using mostly lectures and webinars from Vitaly Kavaz Ogly. And I have some previous experience of modeling in Maya . Here what is Khachkar:Khachkars are outdoor steles carved from stone by craftspeople in Armenia and communities in the Armenian diaspora. They act as a focal point for worship, as memorial stones and as relics facilitating communication between the secular and divine. Khachkars reach 1.5 metres in height, and have an ornamentally carved cross in the middle, resting on the symbol of a sun or wheel of eternity, accompanied by vegetative-geometric motifs, carvings of saints and animals. Khachkars are created usually using local stone and carved using chisel, die, sharp pens and hammers. The carvings are then ground using fine sand. Small breaks and rough surfaces are eliminated by plaster of clay or lime, and then painted. Once finished, the Khachkar is erected during a small religious ceremony. After being blessed and anointed, the Khachkar is believed to possess holy powers and can provide help, protection, victory, long life, remembrance and mediation towards salvation of the soul. Among more than 50,000 Khachkars in Armenia, each has its own pattern, and no two are alike. Khachkar craftsmanship is transmitted through families or from master to apprentice, teaching the traditional methods and patterns, while encouraging regional distinctiveness and individual improvisation. In November 2010, the art of cross-stones with the wording "Symbolism and craftsmanship of khachkars, Armenian stone crosses"was included in UNESCO representative list on intangible cultural heritage of humanity.