Afghan War Runner – Cartographic Map of the Middle East

ID: s42940
Category: Other
Subcategory: Rugs
Location: New store

Condition: Used

Description: This long runner, measuring 410 × 78 cm, is an Afghan War Rug with a cartographic motif. The textile originates from Afghanistan or the Pakistani border region and was woven by Balochi or Hazara weavers. The rug's design depicts a map of the Middle East and North Africa, including the Arab world and surrounding regions. The field is densely covered with texts in Arabic and Persian script. Individual fields in the rug symbolize various state entities and geographical areas, such as Al-Jazair (Algeria), Libya, Misr (Egypt), and As-Su'udijja (Saudi Arabia). Stylized buildings, including mosques and monuments, are incorporated into the upper part. The border pattern is geometric, with motifs of flowers and zigzag bands, characteristic of the Balochi weaving tradition. The color palette includes deep blue (indigo), mahogany brown, brick red, and cream accents. The rug is hand-knotted, with a wool pile on a wool or cotton warp. Knot density reaches approximately 32–36 knots per 10 cm, both horizontally and vertically. This corresponds to a density of 1,000 to 1,300 knots per dm² (approx. 100,000 – 130,000 knots/m²), indicating a high level of craftsmanship for tribal war and map rugs. The condition is very good, with the pile and fringes well-preserved. Dating falls into the late 20th century, approximately between 1980 and 1990, covering the period from the Soviet occupation through the nineties. Cartographic (map) rugs from Afghanistan in such an unusual runner format, with a length of 410 cm, are a sought-after and prized collector's piece in the field of modern folk art and war textiles.

9 000 Kč / €375