When an Object Shows Who You Are

Intro by Monica Ellena

A jar of yogurt represents home; an ancient, chipped ceramic pot symbolizes humanity; a traditional frame drum evokes passion; an old, smelly sweater brings to mind carefree childhood summers.

There are objects that we treasure because they define our inner selves, encapsulate our tangible identity -- who we are, where we hail from, what we love or used to love. Even a pear-shaped tea glass or a hazelnut harvest can be part of a personal or communal identity.

The narratives each of us carry are the summation of our values, goals and aspirations.

These narratives are uniquely personal -- depending on the perspective, a yellow bus can be just an old, rusty means of transportation or a symbol of national identity.

Chai Khana asked young Armenians, Azerbaijanis, and Georgians to open their hearts and closets and tell which object they feel best mirrors their identities.

Armenia