Pashtun Sleeping Rug

Late 19th early 20th century Afghanistan.

Warps: Wool or goat Z2S, white, tan, brown or black. warps inconsistent in diameter.

Wefts: winderplied wool or goat much more consistent than the warps.

Pile Z2S wool and goat (the dark brown is goat).

Ends: Top 10 inches of slitweave skirt hemmed at top. Bottom Top 10 inches of slitweave skirt with warp fringe.

Sides: weft return over 2 sets of 3 heavy Z2S.

Knots: Slip loop pile, 7 knots to the square inch

This is one of 9 known examples in the world. These all apparently were bought in the market in Murkur Afghanistan which is a major market for Pashtun Nomads often called Cutchis. Similar rugs were found in the Tarim Basin Archeological digs. Those were attributed to the Tocharians. After extensive research I have come to the conclusions that the Tocharians are the ancestors of today's Pashtuns. If we follow the Tocharians through history we see that historians trace then to Gandahara in modern day Pashtunistan (land of the Pashtuns). The Pashtuns spring from nowhere in the place where the Tocharians disappeared and on the basis of this rug I feel there is a high probability that they are descendents of the Tocharians. I suspect that this will be proved on a linguistic basis unless of course we can do it by DNA matching.

This rug was bought as a present for someone who did not live long enough to see it, so let me just say it is from my personal collection.

Note: To further a long term research project I am collecting data. When a piece such as this may be of interest to others I have decided to share my notes prior to culmination of the project. As such the attributions are my own and may be different that the conventional wisdom. Any additions, information, or corrections, would be appreciated.

For Further Reading:

Guide to Rugs & Books

La Miniature En Orient

Notes on the War on Terrorism

Southwest Asia Time Line

Thanks and best wishes,

J. Barry O'Connell Jr.

Afghan Rugs: Pashtun Sleeping Rug

Pashtun Sleeping Rug

This rug was bought as a present for someone who did not live long enough to see it, so let me just say it is from my personal collection.

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