Afghan Vegetable Dye

Afghan Vegetable DyeThe kilim rug is steeped in tradition. Considered to resemble the first carpets in history that date back several hundred years before Christ, the roots of the kilim trace back to the nomadic peoples of the Middle East, where these rugs were used as blankets, seat mats, saddle blankets, wall decoration and carpets. Hand woven, the 'flatweave' kilim is almost identical top and bottom, making both sides of the carpet usable. Warp and weft weaving

patterns range from medallion to figural to Herati/Mahi to three-dimensional

but materials can be all silk

Sarouk weavers use the symmetrical Persian knot

but they are difficult to source today

A typical design for Gharajeh carpets is three large geometric medallions situated in the middle of the rug

Herati (the most common) and Boteh or all-over florals

the roots of the kilim trace back to the nomadic peoples of the Middle East

the Herati motif and garden elements in ivory

It is the semi-nomadic Kudish people of Markad – living in tribes away from the city and practicing the traditions of their ancestors – that weave the tribal Lilian rug

Although the designs are copied

are characteristic of the Afghan Faryab Ghalmori rug

For this reason