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Mushwani Rugs

Mushwani (Mashwani) is a Pashtun tribe with Arab origin. They introduce themselves as the descendants of the Islam prophet. Mashwanis are mainly settled in some parts of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and India. In Afghanistan they live in Herat, Nimruz, Kunar (Konar) and Ghazni provinces. Rugs attributed to Mushwanis may be branded as “Mashwani”. These are mostly woven in Afghanistan. Nevertheless there are Mushwani pieces which are certainly woven in Iran and Pakistan. Because of the similarity in the designs and weave techniques some tend to brand Mushwani rugs as Baluch.
A Mushwani area rug

Technical aspects and the structure of Mushwani Rugs

Mushwani rugs are finely woven. The knot density reach to 100 knots per square inch. These knots are open to the left. Mushwani knots are mostly asymmetric (Persian). Some rugs may have symmetric (Turkish) knots. Pieces are mostly all-wool. Carpets, large rugs and runners could be found. Kilims and other tribal items are also common. Most of the pieces have kilim-endings.
A Mushwani rug

Dyeing and painting of Mushwani Rugs

Generally, Mushwani rugs have a dark palette. Midnight blue, black and dark brown and dark red are the main colors in Mushwani pieces. Small amount of ivory or white serve as highlights on these dark shades. The black, brown and ivory used obtained from undyed wool. The secondary palette of Mushwani may include indigo, greyish blue, burgundy, purple, purplish red, apricot and ivory.
An antique Mushwani rug

Designs and patterns of Mushwani Rugs

Lattices made of lozenges make the majority of Mushwani designs. The lozenges’ outlines are usually emphasized with white. Concentric lozenges make another common design for both piled rugs and flat-woven pieces. Latch hook medallions are also common. These diamond-framed medallions may be used in both central-medallioned and double-medallioned structure.
A contemporary Mushwani rug
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