Afghan Kilim

Origin

Afghan KelimKelimFlachgewebe ohne Flor, bei dem Muster durch farbige Schussfäden erzeugt werden. Leichter und dünner als geknüpfte Teppiche.Read in glossary → comes from Afghanistan, a country with a centuries-old tradition in flatweave technique. Afghan kelims are woven mainly by nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes, especially the Baluch, Turkmen, and other ethnic groups in the country's northern and western provinces. Weaving traditions have been passed down from mothers to daughters for generations and reflect the cultural identity of the various tribal groups.

Characteristics

Afghan KelimKelimFlachgewebe ohne Flor, bei dem Muster durch farbige Schussfäden erzeugt werden. Leichter und dünner als geknüpfte Teppiche.Read in glossary → is distinguished by bold, earthy tones, with reds, browns, and blues dominating. The patterns are often geometric and consist of traditional motifs such as diamonds, stripes, hooks, and stylised animal figures. Characteristic are the asymmetrical designs and the use of symbols carrying meanings of protection, fertility, or spirituality. The weave is firm and dense, making the rugs very hard-wearing. Thanks to the flatweave technique, Afghan Kelims have no pile and are usable on both sides.

Material and technique

Afghan Kelims are made exclusively in flatweave technique, in which warp and weft are woven directly together. The material is mainly sheep's wool from local breeds, known for its robustness. The wool is traditionally dyed with natural colours obtained from plants, minerals, and insects. Madder for reds, indigoIndigoPflanzlicher Farbstoff aus der Indigopflanze, der tiefe Blautöne erzeugt. Einer der wichtigsten Naturfarbstoffe orientalischer Teppiche.Read in glossary → for blue, and walnut shells for browns are typical dyestuffs. Weaving density varies by region and weaver but is usually between 80,000 and 160,000 knots per square metre.

Worth knowing

Afghan KelimKelimFlachgewebe ohne Flor, bei dem Muster durch farbige Schussfäden erzeugt werden. Leichter und dünner als geknüpfte Teppiche.Read in glossary → production often involves communal work with several family members at the same loom. These rugs traditionally serve not only as floor coverings but also as wall hangings, saddle bags, or tent furnishings. During the political unrest in Afghanistan many weavers were displaced to neighbouring countries such as Pakistan and Iran, where they continued their traditions. This led to a blending of regional styles and new interpretations of classical patterns.