Armenian Backgammon Set - Map of Armenia

Armenian Backgammon Set - Map of Armenia

No mountain, no cathedral, no coat of arms — just the country itself. On this handmade Armenian backgammon set the map is carved in pale relief inside a central oval, that small landlocked shape everyone in the family can draw from memory, with carved scrollwork opening around the frame and running out to the border of the lid. It is the plainest statement the workshop makes, and quite often the one people choose.

There is a reason for that. Armenians have spent a long time explaining where Armenia is; a board like this does the explaining for you and then changes the subject to something more enjoyable. Open the clasps, let the bronze hinges swing back, and there is the full 23.6" / 60 cm playing field, ready for the part of the evening nobody has to introduce. Carry this hand-carved wooden backgammon board in by its cut-out handle and set it down between two people who were going to argue about something anyway.

What's Included

• Backgammon board with bronze hinges, clasps and a cut-out carry handle
• 32 checkers made from beech and walnut wood
• A pair of dice and a carrying bag

Specifications

• Folded: 30 x 60 cm / 11.8 x 23.6"
• Open playing field: 60 x 60 cm / 23.6 x 23.6"
• Weight: 5 kg / 11 lb
• Wood: solid beech, with bronze hinges and clasps
• Handmade in Armenia

Why It Stands Out

• The map of Armenia carved by hand in pale relief inside a deep oval frame
• Scrollwork cut around it and carried out to the border
• Folds shut on bronze hinges and travels by its own cut-out carry handle
• A handmade Armenian backgammon board that says one thing and says it clearly

A Gift That Travels With the Family

This is the board that goes to the grandchildren in another country, the one that ends up on a shelf where visitors ask about it. The shape does the work; you just have to teach somebody the rules.