Carpet and rug weaving have always been an essential part of the Afghan culture and heritage which has been drawn from various cultural ethnicities like Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbeks and the like. When it comes to Afghanistan itself, the weaving styles can range from the oriental style and the war impacts. It ultimately reflects the pinnacle of Afghanistani tradition and beautiful craftsmanship. 

Afghan rugs are durable, handmade to perfection and intricately beautiful. Most of these carpets have a rural weaving and pattern design that is accustomed to the life there. 

The carpets are divided into several forms but two of the most popular carpets from Afghanistan are Khal Mohammadi and Afghan Aqche. Khal Mohammadi is handwoven and made by the Turkomans in the north of Afghanistan, and in some cases, they can also be hand-knotted in Pakistan by the Turkomans who have crossed over the borders into Pakistan. 

Much like their designs, the process of making the Afghani carpets is interesting as well. They are mostly dyed from Persian knots and use natural dye and the type varies from the pile, non-pile, woollen, cotton, silk carpets. 

Since the process is entirely by hand and the material utilised is locally produced, a full sized Afghan carpet takes 6 to 9 months to make! 

Below is a sneak peek into this famous heritage in a carpet of Afghanistan:

BALUCH RUGS 

Baluch rugs arise from the ethic Baluchi people spread in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Traditionally made from real wool of sheep, now are warped from cotton.

 The style is varied and bold prints with Denmark red colours in the background and a bold esque shade on top to do the work. They are completely handmade and are mostly seen in dark red, blue and dark brown.

GHAZNI WOOL 

The traditional way of making Afghan carpets has been associated with the use of wool in the making. This particular type of wool comes from the Ghazni area and derives its name from the place of its origin. The essential difference in this carpet is the spinning and dying process that it runs through. 

A thin yarn is made from the spinning wheel and therefore the wool becomes a thin yarn that is easily dyed with natural handmade dies but some of the threads absorb more than the others and therefore create an abrash effect on the surface that gives it, its beautiful ombre effect. 

AFGHAN BOKKARA

Afghan carpets are known for their geometric prints and abstain from printing any animal or human form. This is especially seen over these traditional Bokkara style carpets that have the most intrinsic range in them. 

The primary colours are dark red in different nuances. Occurring motifs are gols (elephant like pattern) and octagonal (eight shaped) often with curvilinear flowers in dark blue, ochre and beige. Afghan Bokkaro carpets are handmade by the North side of Afghanistan regions. 

AFGHAN KILIM 

Kilim combines the most traditional way of crafting a Kilim that can be combined with contemporary modern design elements. Not only has this carpet been woven by hand, its wool has also been spun by hand like for Kilims centuries ago. The geometric patterns make this carpet a pure enrichment for modern interior concepts.

Kilims are purely decorative or can be used in prayers. The pattern consists of narrow stripes of blue, green, brownish-yellow, and red, containing very small geometric designs.

MAURI RUGS AND CARPETS

These deep red colures rugs and carpets are made from local wool and the art has been preserved for over a century. The weaving pattern uses 14 fold technique that usually makes the thread count and durability a bit on the fragile end. They are more luxurious and pricey. 

These carpets have no abrasion effect on them as the wool that is used absorbs almost equal amounts of the dye and gives a deep and rich colour to it. It is decorated with black or blue motifs and sometimes with a splash of ivory and green.

SHINDAND RUGS OR ADRASKAND RUGS

These feature goats,  birds and a variety of intricate geometric patterns that are all in a colourful mix of copper, orange, red, tan, yellow and white.  This rug is unique in that Afghan rugs generally do not feature animals or birds, because it is forbidden by Islamic law. 

These are usually presented in different colours unlike other Afghan carpets and rugs as they have a mixed lineage. They are usually used as table placements or for decorative purposes.