Behind the Purdah

Joanne Warfield’s photographs of Afghanistan are beautiful, and this group is important.

I asked permission to take photographs, which was kindly granted to me. I knew at the time that this was a unique and special honor.
[…]
so this incredible opportunity to photograph the tailor’s family was a very special one indeed. And, little did I know at the time what a rare event it really was.

Thanks John

Upcoming Lectures

I will be giving a lecture on Thursday October 13 at 7:00 pm at the Fiber Art Center in Amherst, MA.

October 13, 7 p.m., LECTURE: “War Rugs of Afganistan.” Kevin Sudeith speaks of the history and motifs of Afgan war rugs. $5 non-members, members free.

October 14 – 15, TRUNK SHOW: War Rugs of Afganistan. Come see magnificient handwoven rugs that include depictions of maps, tanks, bullets, flags, helicopters and trucks alongside traditional motifs such as poppies and urns. Kevin Sudeith, the pre-eminent collector and dealer in these rugs, will be on hand to answer questions about the origins of the rugs and the artists who weave them. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Foundation for Fiber Art.

I will be on hand with a selection of war rugs until Saturday afternoon.

Sunday, October 16 I am bringing rugs and the lecture to North Berkshire Creative Arts

War Rugs from Afghanistan — Sun. October 16

Northern Berkshire Creative Arts is pleased to welcome Kevin Sudeith, to lecture on “War Rugs from Afghanistan” from 12pm – 3:30pm on Sunday October 16 at Northern Berkshire Creative Arts, located 2610 MASS MoCA Way. North Adams, MA. Their will be a reception and rugs will be offered for sale following the
lecture. For more information please contact Sean Riley at (413) 663-8338 … and also check out nbca’swebsite: nbcreativearts.org

I’m very excited about both venues, and I hope to see you there!

Earthquake Report

This is a firsthand report from Islamabad

Islamabad, Peshawar and surrounding cities, it felt like we are sitting in a
swing and are being swung. I can not tell how we had feeling at the moment
we were feeling jerks.
[….]
Once can not imagine to have several parts of the country being flattened at once within the course of one to three minutes.

Kevin Kelly Photos


The whole portfolio is worth viewing. His book”

Boy with Khourjin

Link

The tools for carpet weaving are simple and few. There’s the loom, in a horizontal position. The weaver squats on the finished carpet as she weaves. She ties new knots of dyed yarn along the edge. She trims the tied knot with the curved knife. Then she tightens the finished row of knots with the long-handled comb. Then, she further trims the area she just finished with the scissors, maintaining an even pile on the whole carpet.

Women’s Leadership in Afghanistan’s Reconstruction

Yesterday I attended a lunch at the Asia Society which featured Afghanistan’s Minister for Women’s Affairs, Masouda Jalal, as the keynote speaker. After Ms. Jalal’s very interesting lecture there was a panel discussion featuring PARWAZ Microfinance Institution Managing Director Katrin Fakiri and Arzu Rugs’ Founder, President, and Chairman (as well as “chief bottle washer”) Connie K. Duckworth. The panel discussion was moderated by Marieke Wierda, Senior Associate of the Internation Center for Transitional Justice.