The sculpture, completed in 1967 by Sargis Baghdasaryan, is widely regarded as a symbol of Nagorno-Karabakh. The monument is made from volcanic tufa, and depicts an old man and woman hewn from rock, representing the mountain people of Karabakh.

It is also known as "Tatik yev Papik" (Տատիկ և Պապիկ) in Eastern Armenian and "Mamig yev Babig" (Մամիկ եւ Պապիկ) in Western Armenian, and it's translated as "Grandma and Grandpa". The sculpture is featured prominently on Nagorno-Karabakh's coat of arms.

The image of the monument sparked controversies at ESC 2009: first, it appeared in the space introducing Armenia in the semifinal, then it was removed due to an Azeri request; then it was repeatedly shown by Armenian spokesperson Sirusho during the vote.