Abstract WTC War Rugs

ID#:295, Abstracted World Trade Center Afghan War Rug with Yellow Map of Afghanistan The condition of this new Afghan war rug is excellent. There is, however, some of the usual minimal bleeding of dark into light colors. The images depicted in this war rug are fascinating. You have the planes driven by the terrorists drawn like missiles going into the World Trade Center in the US with the text saying 'September 11th the attack on America in New York by terrorist' coupled with the images of the United States' attack on terrorists and the Taliban in Afghanistan with missiles being dropped by our planes into the Tora Bora region with the text 'rout of terrorism with help of America and Britain'. The drawing of the American flag is done exceptionally well.

ID#:289, Abstract WTC 9-11 Afghan War Rug #3 The condition of this new Afghan war rug is excellent. This type of rug is a different take on the World Trade Center Afghan war rug. The first rug of this type we saw was this rug. We thought it was an anomaly but we recently discovered several more. They are very interesting. The simplified approach to the drawing of the twin towers to moderates the tone of the rug, making it less dramatic. Not to say that the tail of a plane sticking out of the building doesn't bring back memories. This rug has different text than most World Trade Center rugs. This rug mentions New York by name, and also has the ""Rout of Terrorism"" text. This style of rug, with the Soviet story not WTC motifs, was woven in Peshawar before the fall of the Taliban. After the US toppled the Taliban regime these weavers returned to their native homes in Afghanistan and began weaving these rugs.

ID#:288, Abstract WTC 9/11 Afghan War Rug #2 The condition of this new Afghan war rug is excellent. This type of rug is a different take on the World Trade Center Afghan war rug. The first rug of this type we saw was this rug. We thought it was an anomaly but we recently discovered several more. This rug also includes flags which some of this style of Afghan war rug does not contain. They are very interesting. The simplified approach to the drawing of the twin towers to moderates the tone of the rug, making it less dramatic. Not to say that the tail of a plane sticking out of the building doesn't bring back memories. This rug has different text than most World Trade Center rugs. This rug mentions New York by name, and also has the ""Rout of Terrorism"" text. This style of rug, with the Soviet story not WTC motifs, was woven in Peshawar before the fall of the Taliban. After the US toppled the Taliban regime these weavers returned to their native homes in Afghanistan and began weaving these rugs. This rug features a very strange depiction of the attacks on the World Trade Center. The towers are shown in isometric view with only one 'explosion' visible on the left-hand tower. The right tower shows no damage, however where the points of impact usually would have been, the grid of the windows is strangely warped. The left tower shows this same warping on its left side, with a 'cube' of fire off to the left. A plump plane is shown entering the left tower, almost as if it's entering a firey portal. Another plane is also shown flying towards the left tower. Both planes look almost bird-like.

ID#:103, 2002 Yellow Map 4 This war rug is in new condition with some bleeding around the black letters. The map is well drawn and the Afghan and Pakistan flags. This is one of the most interesting map/WTC rugs. In the context of the other rugs of this era and style, the two rectangular solids above the map can only be a reference to the WTC. In addition, you have the red speckles on two sides of the left tower and one side of the other tower. It is understated. I like the plain field because it accents the images. The map functions as an abstract form and has strong graphic presence. The variety of drawing techniques is varied and unique in this rug. There are geometric solids, with blocks of red speckles on the sides. The map is an amorphous blob, and yet it functions as a window onto the Tora Bora scene which looks like it sits behind the field color. The color of the F-16 flattens what is otherwise a realistic representation. There is text. The flags function as a flat emblem which is recognizable. All of these different techniques of representation are situated in the plain field which permits each technique to accent itself. While the drawing may appear a unusual or awkward at a glance, I think this is one of the most interesting and engaging rugs not just of the map type or the WTC type but on the whole site. It is also nice to have the name of the city where it is woven included.