Colorful Wool Kilim Rug: Handwoven Tribal Diamond Medallion, 5'8" x 4'4"

A joyful, reversible kilim alive with artisan color. This hand-woven flat-weave displays a central lattice of diamond (ashik) medallions and ram’s-horn hooks, framed by a rhythmic border of stepped triangles and small protective “S” devices. The palette—terracotta orange, turquoise, sky blue, lilac, mint, stone grey and ivory—shows gentle abrash (natural dye variation) that collectors love and decorators find easy to style.

Crafted on a horizontal loom in the Maimana/Andkhoy kilim tradition of northern Afghanistan and the adjoining NW Pakistan weaving belt, this piece blends timeless tribal geometry with a contemporary, room-brightening palette. The slit-tapestry technique produces razor-crisp pattern edges, tidy selvedges, and original fringed ends—evidence of true handwork rather than a printed or machine-loomed look.

1) Weaving tradition / Construction method
This is a true kilim (flat-weave, slit-tapestry). You can see the tooth-edged joins where color blocks meet and the identical clarity on the reverse—both classic kilim tells.

2) “Knot” type
Not applicable—kilims have no pile knots (neither Ghiordes nor Senneh). Pattern is created by interlaced wefts over warps.

3) Regional origin
Motif vocabulary (ashik diamonds, hooked ram’s horns, reciprocal triangle borders), color balance, and finishing point to the Maimana/Andkhoy workshop area (Afghanistan–NW Pakistan tribal belt).

4) Age
Edges are unworn, colors fresh, and the handle is even—contemporary production (≈0–4 years).

5) Maker’s marks
No signature tags; the design handwriting and end/border layout are the distinctive regional identifiers.

6) Pile height & density
Flat-weave (no pile). From the close-ups of the ribs, approx. 28–34 weft rows per 10 cm—a medium-fine workshop grade that keeps geometry crisp without stiffness.

7) Materials

Weft/face: hand-spun wool (terracotta, teal, sky, lilac, mint, stone, ivory)

Warps/foundation: cotton (seen in greyish fringes)

Dyes: workshop dyes with natural-looking abrash; ivory likely undyed

Pattern & Cultural Analysis

8) Motifs

Ashik lozenges (center lattice): order, protection, and balance.

Ram’s-horn hooks & latch-hooks: vigor, prosperity, and guardianship.

Small “S” devices and stepped triangles in the border: boundary/warding symbols guiding the eye around the field.

9) Naqsha / design theory
A central diamond grid organizes space; repeating hooked devices animate movement across the field, while color-banded borders “contain” the interior—classic tribal logic that reads modern.

10) Borders vs. field
The border echoes the field’s hooks and triangles, tightening the composition and giving the rug a framed, architectural presence.

11) Regional signatures

Stacked diamonds with hooked interiors

Slit-weave teeth at color joins

Multicolor reciprocal borders with stepped triangles—all typical of Maimana-style kilims.

12) Religious/ceremonial symbols
No overt religious emblems; the symbols are protective/auspicious in folk tradition (eye/ram’s-horn).

Features:

Type: Hand-woven kilim/dhurrie, slit-tapestry

Tradition/Origin: Maimana–Andkhoy (Afghanistan–NW Pakistan region)

Size: 172 × 132 cm (approx. 5'8" × 4'4")

Thickness: ~4–5 mm

Pile: None (reversible)

Foundation: Cotton warps

Face Yarn: Wool wefts

Density (kilim metric): ~28–34 weft rows / 10 cm

Age: Contemporary (0–4 yrs)

Condition: Excellent—no stains, holes, or repairs; edges and fringes original and even

Finish: Bound selvedges; flat kilim ends with short fringes

Weight/Handle: Supple yet sturdy; lies flat with a pad

Vibrant artisan palette with beautiful abrash (not printed)

Authentic tribal geometry: ashik diamonds, ram’s horns, protective “S” devices

Reversible, breathable flat-weave—great for dining rooms, playrooms, studios

Hand-spun wool on cotton for durability and crisp pattern edges

Lightweight & easy to style in boho, eclectic, Mediterranean, rustic, and colorful Scandi spaces

Care Instructions

Use a rug pad to prevent slip and add cushion.

Vacuum weekly on low suction (no beater bar). Vacuum the back occasionally.

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

Spot clean promptly: blot (don’t rub) with cool water and a drop of wool-safe detergent.

Avoid soaking/steam; air in shade to refresh.

Deep cleaning only by a wool/kilim specialist.


If you want real handwork with happy color and time-tested symbolism, this kilim is the piece. It ships ready to roll out; add a pad and enjoy. Questions or extra photos? I’m an expert seller and glad to help—buy with confidence.