Vintage Tribal Runner Rug 244 x 81 cm – Colorful Hand-Knotted Wool Corridor Rug

This striking vintage runner is a true statement piece from the tribal weaving traditions of northern Afghanistan. Woven entirely by hand in soft brown wool and overlaid with rows of jewel-bright diamonds, it was designed to bring warmth, protection, and colour into a long tent or family corridor. Today it’s perfect for a hallway, entry, kitchen, or layered in a boho living room.

The field is organised as a long central panel framed by multiple guard stripes, all filled with tightly packed stepped diamonds. Neon pinks, emerald greens, saffron oranges and turquoise accents dance on a dark chocolate ground, while little side tassels along the selvedges add a playful, tactile fringe – classic details of Central Asian nomadic work. The wool has a beautiful, slightly rustic hand and a low, even pile that speaks of careful use and many decades of life.

Weaving tradition & origin:
The construction, palette and small-scale geometric patterning point to Afghan tribal / Baluch-area weaving, made in a village or nomadic setting rather than a workshop. The tight, allover diamond lattice and latch-hook style outlines are characteristic of Central Asian tribal rugs woven for domestic use.

Knot structure & construction:
Close-up views of the back show a hand-knotted wool pile on a wool foundation, most likely using a symmetrical (Turkish/Ghiordes) knot with depressed warps. The pile sits low and compact, giving the runner a durable, almost tapestry-like surface.

Age & condition:
Based on the wool quality, colour saturation and light, honest wear, this piece is best dated to circa 1970s–1980s. Colours are still vibrant with gentle softening from age. There is typical minor age wear to pile and ends, slightly irregular edges and side tassels of varying length – all normal for a vintage tribal rug and part of its charm. No major holes, tears or structural repairs visible in the photos.

Materials & dyes:

Pile: hand-spun wool

Warp & weft: wool

Dyes: a mix of traditional natural tones (browns, creams) with early synthetic reds, pinks, oranges and greens giving that saturated, jewel-like effect collectors love in mid-20th-century tribal work.

Motifs & naqsha (design logic):

Diamond lattice throughout: a long-standing symbol of protection and the “eye” watching over the household.

Stepped, maze-like outlines: echoing mountain paths and tribal migration routes, a visual signature of this weaving region.

Tiny inner squares and crosses: talismanic details believed to ward off bad luck and the evil eye.

Side tufts along the selvedge: decorative wool tassels that also act as protective amulets and express the weaver’s personal style.

The whole layout reads like a long amulet band – a protective pathway of colour leading through your space.

Features:

Type: Vintage hand-knotted tribal runner

Origin: Afghanistan, Central Asian tribal weaving

Approx. age: c. 40–50 years (1970s–1980s)

Size:

244 cm x 81 cm

Approx. 8.0 ft x 2.7 ft

Pile height: Low, about 3–4 mm, evenly sheared

Knot density: Estimated around 90–110 knots per square inch (medium–fine village weave)

Foundation: Wool warp and weft

Pile: 100% hand-spun wool

Construction: Hand-knotted, finished with flatwoven ends and original fringes; side cords with decorative tassels

Condition: Good vintage condition – fully usable, with light age wear, minor irregularities to edges, and small signs of use consistent with age. Clean and ready to enjoy.

Authentic vintage Afghan tribal runner with strong character

Brilliant multi-colour palette: magenta, orange, red, green, turquoise, purple on a deep brown ground

Allover diamond and lattice design packed with protective motifs

Charming side tassels and rustic finish that underline its nomadic origin

Soft but sturdy wool pile ideal for high-traffic areas

Narrow, elongated format perfect for hallways, entryways, kitchens or bedside use

One-of-a-kind piece – no two tribal runners are ever exactly the same

Care instructions

Use a rug pad to prevent slipping and reduce wear.

Vacuum gently with a suction-only setting (no rotating brush) in the direction of the pile.

Rotate the rug a couple of times a year for even wear and fading.

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

For deeper cleaning, use a professional rug cleaner experienced with hand-knotted wool pieces; avoid harsh chemicals and steam cleaning.

Do not leave in constant direct sunlight to preserve the rich colours.

Bring colour, story and handmade soul into your home with this vibrant Afghan tribal runner. Whether it anchors a modern hallway, layers over a simple jute rug, or brightens a studio or loft, it will add warmth and personality that only a true vintage piece can offer. Once it’s gone, there will never be another exactly like it.