Comments on: War Rugs

War Rugs

me3dia — Tue, 10 Feb 2004 09:02:44 -0800

War Rugs woven by Afghanis often depict tanks, planes and guns, but a new set of imagery has appeared recently: the WTC in flames. More in this Forbes article.

By: me3dia

me3dia — Tue, 10 Feb 2004 09:04:37 -0800

More here and here.

By: goethean

goethean — Tue, 10 Feb 2004 09:05:45 -0800

As heard on NPR this morning...

By: orange swan

orange swan — Tue, 10 Feb 2004 09:13:26 -0800

I wonder if the Afghani women do this as art or just because they think it will appeal to American buyers.

By: monkey.pie.baker

monkey.pie.baker — Tue, 10 Feb 2004 09:21:11 -0800

Actually, the NPR piece addressed this as well -- the war rug designs are good sellers. Most of the rug creators are interested in making a buck rather than a statement. The NPR piece is available here.

By: troutfishing

troutfishing — Tue, 10 Feb 2004 09:28:43 -0800

I ran into a rug dealer a couple of years ago who sold only these. I thought it was a bit odd at first - but not really too surprising if you think about it, given Afghanistan's recent history.

By: xmutex

xmutex — Tue, 10 Feb 2004 09:50:20 -0800

That rug really tied the room together, Dude.

By: asok

asok — Tue, 10 Feb 2004 10:06:20 -0800

Seems to be an Afghani tradition. They have been depicting war for the past *mumble* years, with variations in the equipment pictured due to the various forces involved. Dan Cruickshank bought one whilst he was there.

By: goethean

goethean — Tue, 10 Feb 2004 11:10:56 -0800

I like the original.

By: stbalbach

stbalbach — Tue, 10 Feb 2004 11:25:26 -0800

I wonder about the future value. They seem pretty cheap on Ebay.

By: dabitch

dabitch — Tue, 10 Feb 2004 12:07:06 -0800

I once bid on an older afghan war rug depicting Kalashnikovs with the text 'make peace not war' and lost it at around 300 dollars. Shame. :/

By: Red58

Red58 — Tue, 10 Feb 2004 13:00:37 -0800

I have several Afghan rugs - although none of them appear to have any guns, tanks, grenades, rockets, etc. Although I'll be going home and inspecting more closely tonight. I've seen Afghan rugs with the Russian tanks and grenades before, but the WTC ones are very spooky. I think I want to know if the weaver thinks the WTC thing was bad or good.