Vintage Afghan Minaret Rug: Hand-Knotted Wool Pictorial Wall Art

Bring story-rich craftsmanship into your home with this characterful vintage Afghan pictorial rug. Hand-knotted by a village weaver in the Herat–Baluch tradition, it features a dramatic architectural minaret framed by starbursts and protective tribal borders—equally striking on the floor or hanging as textile art.


This small-format piece comes from northwest Afghanistan where Baluch and neighboring village groups are known for graphic prayer and pictorial carpets. The tall central minaret—a reference to famous towers around Herat and Jam—rises inside a prayer-niche composition. Around it, eight-pointed stars (good fortune and protection) and serrated “mountain/mihrab” triangles animate the sky-like field. The border shows hooked ram’s horn and checked diamonds symbolizing strength and guardianship.

The palette—brick red, bottle green, camel, ivory, and deep night blue/black—reads classic Afghan. Subtle abrash (natural tone shifts in the camel and green) testifies to small-batch dyeing. This is a genuine village weaving, not a printed or machine-made copy.

Visual Analysis & Authentication

Weaving tradition: Northwest Afghan / Baluch village work with a prayer-niche pictorial layout.

Knot structure: Hand-knotted pile; backside shows compact, square knot nodes consistent with Ghiordes (Turkish) knots used by many Turkmen/Baluch workshops in the Herat area.

Origin indicators: Minaret motif, eight-pointed star scatters, hooked ram’s-horn border and the saturated camel–green–red palette point to Herat province production (late 20th c.).

Age: Vintage c. 1985–1995. Colors are well-saturated with light, even surface patina; ends and selvages intact—no harsh UV fading.

Maker’s marks: No written signature; the pictorial minaret and border dialect are the regional “signature.”

Pile/handle: Medium pile, tightly clipped (see fold and macro photos). Dense but supple handle—ideal for floor use or as a wall hanging.

Materials: Soft hand-spun wool pile on a cotton foundation (white cotton fringes visible). Dyes are a mix of natural and stable synthetic village dyes typical of the period.

Specifications:

Exact size: 149 cm x 89 cm (approximately 4’11” x 2’11”)

Weave: Hand-knotted pile

Estimated density: ~80–100 knots per sq. inch (approx. 125–160k total knots)

Pile height: ~5–6 mm (medium)

Warp/Weft: Cotton; Pile: 100% wool

Time to weave: ~2–3 months for a single artisan at a village loom

Condition: Very good vintage. Even pile with soft age sheen; original fringes; edges sound. Minor age-appropriate abrash and tiny stray fibers only—no stains, holes or structural repairs noted.

Use: Small area rug, prayer rug, wall art, entry, reading nook, office, or to layer over larger neutrals.

Motifs & Design Notes

Minaret within mihrab – architectural devotion and place of gathering.

Eight-pointed stars – prosperity and guidance.

Ram’s-horn / hooked border – power and protection.

Diamond lattices – order and continuity around the sanctuary image.

Features You’ll Love

Authentic Afghan Baluch pictorial rug—rich, storied, and collectible

Graphic central tower with jewel-tone contrasts; perfect scale for walls

Soft village wool with durable cotton foundation

Versatile 3x5-ish size for apartments, galleries, and layered looks

Professionally cleaned and ready to use

Care Instructions

Vacuum gently with suction only; avoid beater bars.

Rotate every 3–6 months for even wear and sun exposure.

Blot spills immediately; spot-clean with mild wool-safe soap and cool water.

For deep cleaning, use a trusted handmade rug specialist.

If hanging, use a sewn-on cotton sleeve or Velcro strip to distribute weight.


Bring home an authentic work of Afghan textile art—compact in size, big on soul.
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