Hand-Knotted Wool Map War Rug: Tribal Art Decor (2.9x2.0 ft.)

Discover a captivating piece of textile history with this authentic hand-knotted map rug, showcasing a bold cartographic design and rich tribal symbolism. This rug is not just a decorative accent—it’s a cultural narrative woven in wool. With its compact 2.9x2.0 ft size, it is ideal for collectors, study corners, or heritage-inspired spaces.

This stunning handmade wool rug belongs to the unique tradition of post-conflict "war rugs"—an evocative genre that emerged from the tribal regions of Central and South Asia in the late 20th century. These rugs often portrayed military themes, maps, or geopolitical elements as a reflection of the social landscape experienced by weavers.

Visual Structure & Origin:
This particular piece displays a geographical map format with embroidered region names, bordered by a traditional geometric serrated edge—a common hallmark of nomadic and village rug traditions. The base tone is a soft beige field, symbolizing earth and neutrality, while the outlined country patches use earthen reds, charcoal blacks, and olive greens.

Weaving Tradition & Technique:
Upon close-up inspection, the rug clearly displays a hand-knotted construction, most likely using the asymmetrical Senneh knot due to the compact yet slightly directional weave observable from the reverse image. The knot density suggests a medium weave count, estimated around 90–100 KPSI, indicating detailed but practical labor intensity.

Material Analysis:

Pile: High-quality, hand-spun wool

Foundation: Wool warp and weft (likely dyed naturally)

Dyes: Aged vegetable dyes, subtly faded, producing a rich patina

Symbolic & Cultural Interpretation:
The map design depicts global regions marked with bold initials like "USA," "CHINA," "RUS," and others, stylized in English block lettering. This geopolitical representation serves as both an artistic and educational visual, likely intended for use as a discussion piece or heritage statement during post-conflict periods of narrative storytelling.

Specifications
Dimensions: Approx. 2.9 x 2.0 ft (0.83 x 0.61 meters)

Construction: Hand-knotted

Knot Type: Asymmetrical (Senneh)

KPSI Estimate: 90–100

Pile Height: Medium pile (approx. 7–9 mm)

Age Estimate: Circa 1990s–early 2000s

Origin: Tribal regions of Central or South Asia

Condition: Excellent vintage condition with minor age-related patina and soft wool aging—no structural damage or repairs visible

Fringe Ends: Natural wool fringe, intact on both ends

Reverse Finish: Neatly finished and visually confirms hand-knotting

Features
Handmade using traditional tribal knotting

Unique geopolitical map design

Rare collectible piece from the war rug category

Durable, soft, and naturally dyed wool

Ideal as a wall hanging, conversation piece, or entryway accent

Care Instructions
Vacuum regularly without a beater bar

Rotate every 3–6 months for even wear

Spot clean with cold water and mild soap

Avoid direct sunlight to preserve natural dye richness

For deeper cleaning, use a professional wool rug cleaner only

This one-of-a-kind handmade wool map rug is a visual conversation between tradition and history, designed to bring depth and culture into your living space. Whether you’re a collector of rare textiles or simply love global heritage décor, this rug will anchor your home in timeless craftsmanship and thought-provoking design.