Armenia adds tolma varieties to heritage list

PanARMENIAN.Net - Three types of tolma — made with fish, hemp additives, and sour cabbage with millet — have been included in Armenia’s intangible cultural heritage list. The decision was adopted during a government session.

The listed tolma varieties were traditionally widespread in the Gegharkunik region around Lake Sevan. Fish tolma, in particular, became more common after the collapse of the Soviet Union due to economic hardship and shortages of meat products, Sputnik Armenia reported.

Under the same decision, lullabies from the Shirak region were also added to the list, along with the tradition of drum-making, including the Armenian traditional dhol.

The registry was further expanded to include traditional clay and wooden stamps used for decorating gata pastries, as well as the children’s game “Hunters and Ducks.”