Cicaktu War Helicopter Rug

Chahar Aymaq War Rug

This Rug is in the style of the Pashtun Rugs from the Cicaktu area. However there are some important difference. The runner format has been adapted to a rug almost 7 by 4 feet (81 by 41 inches). It is also made with Chahar Aymaq wool and a Chahar Aymaq selvage. Consequently I suspect that Cicaktu refugees in the Herat area of which there are many taught one of their basic designs to a Chahar Aymaq weaver. Traditionally the Cicaktu weavers use a dyed camel colored yarn in the field while the Chahar Aymaq use undyed tan wool. This has the undyed tan which is another indicator of Chahar Aymaq provenance. Wool quality is very high with the long thick straight fibers that I see in the best rugs from Northwest Afghanistan. very sophisticated weave for the type. It is interesting to note that the knot count is lower than a Cicaktu because they are using larger yarn.

Structure: Asymmetrical knot open to the left. 7.5 knots per horizontal inch and 8 knots per vertical inch. 52 per square inch (830 per square decimeter)

Yarn Spin: Z.

Warp: 2 ply Wool, tan.

Weft: blue cotton, 2 shots

Pile: 2 Wool singles.

Ends: 1 1/4 inch weft substitution border.

Selvages: two 2 part cord double looped with Dark Brown.