Handwoven Afghan Kilim Runner: Colorful Diamond Lattice Wool Rug

Bring joyful color and authentic craft to your space with this handwoven wool kilim runner from the Maimana weaving tradition of northern Afghanistan. Its bold diamond lattice and panel borders are executed in a classic slit-tapestry flat-weave—supple underfoot, reversible, and made to last. Perfect for brightening a hallway, kitchen galley, entry, or bedside.


Weaving tradition & construction:

This piece is a Maimana Afghan kilim, woven in the slit-tapestry method typical of tribal flat-weaves. Adjacent color blocks meet cleanly with small vertical slits—clearly visible in the close-ups—confirming tapestry construction rather than pile.

Knot structure:

Not applicable: this is a flat-weave (no pile, no knots). The pattern is formed by interlocking colored wefts around undyed warps.

Regional origin:

The palette (tomato red, turquoise, pistachio, saffron, sky blue, lavender) and the stacked panel borders with small stepped motifs are characteristic of Maimana/Andkhoy workshops in northern Afghanistan. The braided corner ties and the red “barber-pole” reinforcement stitches at the fringe are also common Afghan finishing details (see photos of the ends).

Age estimate :

Crisp edges, even coloration with tasteful abrash, intact fringes, and no oxidation or wear indicate contemporary village production (c. 2015–present).

Signatures or marks
No written signature; the braided warp tassels and the red dotted chain stitch at the end finish are distinctive Afghan workshop tells.

Pile height & density :
As a tapestry kilim, thickness is ~3–4 mm. Weft count estimated from macro images is ~7–8 wefts per cm (≈18–20 per inch)—a nice medium density for a durable, drapey kilim.

Materials :
Hand-spun to semi-hand-spun wool weft on wool warp. Dyes present as well-saturated, likely a mix of traditional vegetal tones and modern colorfast dyes typical of current Afghan kilims (not laboratory-tested).

Motifs & cultural reading :

Central field: a longitudinal lattice of lozenges (ashik/göz “eye” diamonds), each holding a small hooked or cross device—widely read as guardianship/warding symbols for safe travel along paths (apt for runners).

Side panels: stacked stepped “comb” and “amulet” forms signifying protection and household prosperity.

Borders: outer saw-tooth triangles (mountains/running water) framing the movement of the inner zigzags—an energetic path motif guiding the eye down the runner.
The overall naqsha (design logic) balances a tight central grid with lively protective borders—classic for Maimana export kilims.

Condition :
Excellent, clean and strong. Even edges, square ends, original fringes with braided corner ties intact. Minor loom waviness and natural abrash (shade variation in hand-dyed wool) celebrated as part of genuine handwork. No repairs, holes, pet or odor issues visible.

Technical specifications

Dimensions: 196 cm x 79 cm (approx. 6’5” x 2’7”) – measured including the flat woven ends, excluding tassel tips.

Weave: handwoven slit-tapestry kilim, reversible.

Warp / Weft: wool / wool.

Thickness: ~3–4 mm.

Weft count: ~7–8 per cm (≈18–20/in).

Origin: Maimana / Andkhoy region, Afghanistan.

Age: c. 2015–present.

Time to weave: at this density and size, 2–3 weeks of loom time for an experienced two-person team, plus dyeing and finishing.

Features at a glance

Authentic Afghan tribal kilim with classic diamond lattice and panel borders

Reversible, lightweight, and easy to handle

Hand-spun wool with lively abrash for organic character

Hallway-friendly size; works beautifully with door clearances

Durable construction suitable for high-traffic areas when paired with a rug pad

Styling ideas

Looks stunning in boho, eclectic, Southwestern, rustic farmhouse, desert modern, Scandinavian, and mid-century interiors. Ideal for hallways, entries, kitchens, mudrooms, and long bedside placements.

Care instructions

Use a rug pad to prevent slip and reduce wear.

Vacuum weekly with suction only (no beater bar).

Rotate seasonally for even sun/traffic exposure.

Blot spills immediately; spot clean with cool water and a wool-safe detergent.

For deeper cleaning, use a professional flat-weave/wool specialist—avoid machine washing and harsh chemicals.

If a slit opens slightly (normal for tapestry weaves), lay flat and steam gently; edge can be whip-stitched by a pro if ever needed.


Bring home a one-of-a-kind runner that adds color, story, and handmade soul to everyday paths. If you’d like a custom pad cut to size or photos in differe