Daghdaghan Amulet

This hand-carved poplar wood Armenian amulet and home accent from artisan Armen Ohanyan is called a dagdaghan and decorated with Armenian ornaments. In the past, daghdaghans had a wide usage in the everyday life of Armenians, as a protection from the evil eye. It would be hung on entrance doors, in jars, by the bedstead and in any place to be protected. There were also special daghdaghans made for children and cattle. While making daghdghans, the craftsman should have only positive emotions and should avoid negative thoughts, as it is believed that the feelings of the craftsman are transmitted to the one for whom it has been made.