$660.00
Description
Afghanistan, circa. 1998-2001, possibly earlier given the depiction of tanks commonly used by the Soviets and also Taliban. AK47s are still in wide circulation. This hand-woven zaroneem ‘war rug’ from the Khyber Bazaar in Peshawar is a fine example in rare size 153cms x 100cms, quite large for a war rug. It is from an unknown village in eastern Afghanistan. The quality of weaving is superb and the colours bright, featuring a mix of natural and synthetic dyes. There can be a little variation in colour of actual product due to light.
I purchased this around 2004-5 during production of my first film Son of a Lion, and even then it was hard to find. In later years the only war rugs I encountered were smaller machine made prayer rugs depicting the Twins Towers. Nowadays these war rugs are near impossible to unearth and are highly collectible.
This zaroneem is from my private collection and is one of only two war rugs I will be (reluctantly) parting with. From an anthropological point of view, it is as unique an historical item as an important book. For some Afghans in living in remote areas, these rugs have always been the way they tell their stories.
Experienced rug dealer Milton Cater estimates the value of this rug to be around $3000 AUD. I am offering it today for $990 AUD or near offer, with $20 AUD freight Australia-wide. Free delivery if living in Northern Rivers, NSW. Please contact for freight charges if overseas. A percentage of the purchase price will be donated to an Afghan family known to me.
