Caucasian-Style Tribal Runner, Navy & Madder Red | 188 x 62 cm (6'2" x 2'0") | Hand-Knotted Wool, Vintage Village Weave

Bring bold geometry and rich, heritage color into your hallway with this authentic hand-knotted runner. The design is a classic Caucasian village layout interpreted by Afghan weavers—diamond medallions marching down a deep indigo field, flanked by protective “snowflake” stars and a meander border. Its medium, velvety pile and saturated natural palette make it a striking, durable accent for modern and traditional spaces alike.


Weaving tradition & origin. The layout echoes Caucasian/Lesghi aesthetics—stacked latch-hook diamonds and eight-point “snowflake” rosettes—executed by Afghan village weavers (likely Andkhoy/Maimana region). The crisp geometry, saturated navy/madder palette, and kufic-style border cartouches strongly support this attribution.

Knotting. Closeups of the fold and backside show compact, square knots with even vertical ridging typical of symmetrical (Turkish/Ghiordes) knots on a depressed warp—standard for this Afghan-Caucasian production.

Age. Dye saturation, even pile, and the neat crocheted fringe finish (visible at the ends) suggest late 20th century (c. 1975–1995) workshop/village work rather than an early antique.

Materials.

Pile: resilient hand-spun wool with a soft, slightly lustrous hand.

Foundation: cotton warps/wefts (white cotton fringe and uniform back are visible), giving good dimensional stability.

Dyes: a traditional mix of madder reds, navy/indigo blues, camel/tobacco, apricot, and small pistachio accents. The harmony reads warm and earthy rather than neon.

Motifs & naqsha (design logic).

Central axis: repeating latch-hook diamonds (a protective motif against the evil eye) aligned end-to-end for visual rhythm.

Companions: alternating eight-pointed stars/snowflakes—cosmic order and light—nestled between the diamonds.

Main border: a kufic/step-meander with rosette panels; inner/outer guards of saw-tooth and running-dog add movement and contain the field.
Together, the vocabulary signals guardianship and continuity—typical aims of Caucasian tribal design adapted by Afghan ateliers.

Condition (honest). Very good vintage condition: even medium pile with minor age bloom and the expected light, scattered fiber specks on the reverse. Sides are tight; fringes are secure and appear later neatly finished (benefit: prevents unraveling). No obvious repairs or holes; lays flat.


Features


Type: Hand-knotted village runner

Origin: Northern Afghanistan, Caucasian design tradition

Age: Vintage, c. 1975–1995

Size: 188 cm x 62 cm (approx. 6'2" x 2'0")

Knotting: Symmetrical (Turkish/Ghiordes) knots

Knot density (est.): ~90–110 KPSI (140–170 kpsi nominal count per sq. in. including both directions) – medium-fine village grade

Pile height (est.): 5–7 mm medium, velvety handle

Pile material: 100% wool

Foundation: Cotton warps & wefts

Colors: Navy, madder red, camel/tobacco, apricot, small pistachio and ivory accents

Construction time (est.): 6–8 weeks of bench time for a two-person team at this density and length


Authentic hand-knotted craftsmanship—no machine tufting, no latex

Iconic Caucasian/Lesghi diamond & snowflake pattern with kufic border

Durable wool on cotton foundation—ideal for high-traffic halls

Balanced, room-friendly palette that plays well with wood, stone, and modern paint schemes

Secure edges & finished fringes for longevity

One-of-a-kind vintage character—subtle abrash and hand variation

Care Instructions

Vacuum weekly with suction only (no beater bar).

Rotate 180° seasonally for even wear and fade.

Blot spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth; avoid rubbing.

For deep cleaning, use a wool-safe professional rug wash—do not steam clean.

Use a quality rug pad to prevent slip and extend life, especially on hard floors.

Keep out of prolonged, direct UV to preserve color saturation.

Styling Tips

Perfect for hallways, entry galleries, kitchen runners, and bedside corridors. Pairs beautifully with:

Modern/Scandinavian interiors for warm contrast

Rustic, Boho, and Eclectic spaces that love saturated reds and indigo

Traditional settings where Caucasian geometry feels authentic and collected





This runner is the real thing—hand-knotted wool, time-tested tribal geometry, and a versatile palette that anchors a space without shouting. If you’d like, I can add a custom rug pad cut to size and ship together. Add to cart with confidence—photos are of the exact rug you’ll receive.