The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has declared the Armenian Khachkar (cross-stone) an intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding.

The decision to classify the unique Armenian artwork was made on Wednesday, November 17 during the fifth session of an intergovernmental committee of states signed onto UNESCO’s Convention for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Armenia’s application, submitted to the committee, presented the Armenian Khachkar as an ancient form of symbolism and craftsmanship unique and vital to Armenian national identity.

The application details the history of the Khachkar and its spiritual role, detailing its roots and development through the centuries and into modern times.

It describes Khachkars as “outdoor steles carved from stone” by craftspeople in Armenia and its Diaspora that are used as focal points for worship, memorial stones, and relics that “facilitate communication between the secular and divine”, asbarez.com reported.

In 2005, the Armenian Duduk music was proclaimed by UNESCO a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity in 2005.