Afghan silk rugs

Afghan silk rugs belong to a diverse weaving tradition shaped by communities across Afghanistan. Shindand and Adraskan rugs from the Herat region, Baluchi prayer rugs, and work associated with Ersari Turkmen and other groups each bring distinct figures, geometric motifs and regional character to the wider category.

Afghan weavers use vegetable and other natural dyes to create rich color, and some rugs are woven in pure silk. formats are often intimate to medium in scale, with patterns ranging from elongated human and animal forms to octagonal Bukhara or elephant-foot motifs, frequently set against red grounds; related weaving traditions also extend to tent bags and ceremonial pieces.