<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><mads xmlns="http://www.loc.gov/mads/" xmlns:mods="http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.loc.gov/mads/
mads.xsd"><authority><topic authority="http://AATesaurus.cultura.gencat.cat/aat/getty_en">khachkars</topic></authority><related type="broader"><topic>stelae</topic></related><variant type="other"><topic>Armenian cross-stones</topic></variant><variant type="other"><topic>khachk&apos;ars</topic></variant><variant type="other"><topic>khachkar</topic></variant><variant type="other"><topic>khatchkars</topic></variant> <note xml:lang="en"><![CDATA[ Carved stone stelae distinctive to Armenia and communities in the Armenian diaspora. Khachkars act as focal points for worship, as memorial stones, and as relics facilitating communication between the secular and divine. Most examples include a cross motif, often with additional motifs such as rosettes, leaves, and interlaces. ]]></note></mads>