Home
(exhibited at Miami University Art Museum)Blue Tank War Rug with Women in Burqas
1995
War Rug Width (decimal feet): 3.33
War Rug Length (decimal feet): 6.33
Knots per Inch - Horizontal: 8
Knots per Inch - Vertical: 8
Warp Depression: 30 degrees
War Rug Sales Status: 2024 - KCS Keepers - Not for Sale or Donation
Country of Origin (estimated): Afghanistan
War Rug Style: Golden Border War Rugs (without ewers)
War Rug Ethnic Origin: Zakini
General Description: This fabulous war rug was woven in Afghanistan in 1995. The artist that wove this is of Zakini Baluch ethnicity. War rugs made by the Baluchi tribe have a certain quantifiable quality to them, although not popularly well-known in the U.S. Using workmanship, wool, dye and artistry, there are three levels of quality found throughout rugs made by the Baluchi tribes. The most common of all are simply identified as a Baluchi war rug, then there are the Taimaini Baluch, followed by the Zakini Baluch, with the Zakini sub-tribe representing the very best of the Baluchi war rugs.
This war rug is simply stunning, and represents the highest form of folk art. Not only does this war rug speak of the times in which the artist lived, represented by the weaponry, but it also speaks about the world the artist is forced to live in. We are unsure who is the very first weaver to begin to do this with war rugs made during the Taliban era, but hidden among the images is not a row of planes. This is a row of women in burkas. Given that the weavers and artists warrug.com proudly supports are the poster-people for oppression, we would be absolutely remiss to not point out that the artist of this rug is saying I am here. This is my story-. The Taliban strictly follows the laws of the Quran that forbids the depiction of any living thing (when you call to order this rug, ask one of our sales representatives to tell you an interesting story about this sharia law). The artist would have been stoned for depicting herself, so she subtly hides the image within the other weaponry, making the formless shape of the burka cleverly resemble a plane. This is a piece of art the truly tells the story of the weaver: where she lived, when, and how. An excellent reminder to us all how far we have come in the fight for womens rights here in America, and how far we still need to go.
Description of wool: Rich, fine, smooth dense
Sheen of Wool: Very good, excellent patina
Handle: Floppy
Selvedge: 2 cords goat hair, incomplete coverage between selvedge and rug
Fringe: 1/2"" kilim, over hand knots, 1"" fringe
Pile Material: 6mm
Weft Material: Curly, light colored natural wool
Warp Material: Double grey cotton
