Handwoven Kilim Runner – Maimana Afghan Wool Flatweave, Tribal Motifs

Hand-woven in the Maimana kilim tradition of northern Afghanistan, this runner glows with saturated vegetable-tone oranges, indigo blues, celadon greens and warm ivory. Its crisp slit-tapestry geometry—stacked diamonds with ram’s-horn hooks and protective crosses—brings rhythmic movement to a hallway, kitchen, or layered living space. Lightweight, reversible, and wonderfully durable, it’s a functional work of folk art.

Weaving tradition & construction :
This is an authentic flat-weave kilim made with the slit tapestry technique (you can see the tiny vertical slits at color joins in the close-ups). No pile—just interlocking wefts packed tightly over warps—so it lies flat, is fully reversible, and folds easily.

Knot structure :
Not knotted—no Ghiordes/Symmetrical or Senneh/Asymmetrical knots are present because it’s a tapestry-woven kilim.

Regional origin :
The design language, palette, and finishing details (braided end cords, overcast ends, and the tall hooked diamonds framed by stacked “butterfly” devices in the border) are classic Afghan Maimana village work.

Age period :
Contemporary artisan weaving, ca. 2015–2023. Colors are vivid with only gentle abrash (natural tonal striation) and no oxidation or foundation exposure—hallmarks of a younger, well-kept piece.

Maker’s marks & regional tells :
Distinctive border panels of stepped “ashik”/butterfly motifs, multicolor braided end cords, and the saturated orange/indigo pairing are all consistent with Maimana cooperative weaving. No signature cartouche, which is normal for this tradition.

Pile height & density:
As a kilim, pile = none; cloth-like thickness about 4–5 mm. Weave density ~ 28–34 weft picks per 10 cm (≈ 7–9 ppi) estimated from the macro shots—tight for a village kilim, giving sharp pattern outlines.

Materials & dyes :

Hand-spun sheep’s wool wefts and warps (lustrous, slightly heathered yarn visible in folds).

Dyes are a mix of traditional plant/mineral tones with some modern fast dyes for brightness (common in current Afghan production). Colors show healthy abrash that signals small-batch dyeing by hand.

Pattern & cultural analysis

Motifs & symbolism :

Hooked diamonds (“elibelinde/ashik”) symbolize protection and the eye; often woven for good fortune on passageways.

Ram’s-horn hooks along the zigzag medallary band convey strength and vitality.

Small crosses inside diamonds are classic nazar/warding devices.

Saw-tooth “mountain/water” zigzags speak to landscape & movement—perfect for a runner format.

Naqsha / design theory:
A longitudinal medallion chain (five graduated diamonds) steps through the field, amplifying the hall-runner proportions. Color alternation creates inward/outward motion, guiding the eye down a corridor—both aesthetic and practical.

Borders & relationship :
The inner running-dog/stepped guard frames the field’s zigzags, while the wide main border repeats packed butterfly/ashik motifs that echo the field’s diamonds at a smaller scale—binding the whole with color rhythm and protection.

Tribal/regional signatures :

Tall, columnar diamonds with serrated outlines

Panelled side borders filled with four-leaf/butterfly motifs

End finishes with short gray wool fringes and occasional twisted color tassels
All are typical of Maimana/NW Afghan kilims.

Religious/protective symbols :
Protective crosses/eye devices and ram’s-horn hooks are woven throughout—apotropaic symbols long used in Central Asian tribal textiles.

Technical specifications (measured & estimated)

Dimensions : 198 cm x 74 cm (≈ 6’6” x 2’5”). Proportions match the photography and the stated size.

Weave: hand-woven slit-tapestry kilim, reversible.

Thickness: ~ 4–5 mm.

Weight (est.): 2.5–3.2 kg.

Weave density : ~ 7–9 weft picks per inch (ppi).

Time investment : A skilled two-person team would need 2–3 weeks to spin, dye, weave, and finish a runner at this density.

Condition : Excellent. Square ends, secure edges, even tension. No stains, tears, or repairs visible; minor, desirable abrash from hand dyeing.

Features you’ll appreciate

Authentic Afghan Maimana tribal artistry

Reversible, low-profile flatweave—perfect under doors & dining chairs

Sustainable natural wool, breathable and temperature-regulating

Vibrant yet earthy palette: orange, indigo, celadon, teal, cream, soft lilac

Hallway-friendly medallion chain that visually lengthens a space

Care instructions

Use a rug pad to prevent slippage and extend life.

Vacuum weekly with suction only (no beater bar). Vacuum both sides occasionally.

Spot clean with cold water and a dab of mild wool soap; blot, don’t rub.

Rotate every 3–6 months for even wear & light exposure.

For deep cleaning, use a professional hand-wash service experienced with flatweaves.

Where it shines

Ideal for hallways, entryways, kitchens, studios, and layered living rooms. Works with Bohemian, Southwest, Mediterranean, rustic modern, and eclectic interiors. The crisp geometry also pairs beautifully with Scandi and mid-century furniture.