Handmade Afghan Gabbeh Rug

Look closely at this tribal style handmade Afghan Gabbeh rug and you will discover it contains a wide harmony of shades. 

The design shows an uncomplicated theme of coloured floral emblems and small squares arranged in rows across the width of the rug. These motifs are in colours that stand out against the rug's dark background.

At first glance this Gabbeh rug appears to have black main colour. However, on closer inspection you can see a variety of different hues ranging from very dark brown to lighter ginger shades as well as hints of grey tones. These subtle colour variations add warmth and an artisanal look to the rug.

More about this handmade Afghan Gabbeh rug

The name "Gabbeh" is given to a style of rug. These Gabbeh rugs are characterised by (usually) simple, often whimsical tribal patterns.

Gabbeh rugs originally came from Persia, and were woven by nomads of tribes such as the Qashqa'i, Lori and Khamseh. These were rugs made for everyday use in their tents. A variety of styles of Gabbeh rugs were produced, however it was the thick piled Gabbehs that became really well known.  

Afghan Gabbeh rugs are known for their appealing but uncomplicated designs, often showing all over themes of narrow stripes. In terms of weave, generally the Afghan Gabbeh rug has a shorter pile than the Persian equivalent, but typically a higher knot density.   

What this tribal style Gabbeh rug is made from

Whilst the original Persian Gabbeh rugs were made entirely from wool, the Afghan Gabbeh style rugs are typically made from wool and cotton. Hard-wearing natural yarns. 

The pile of this black Gabbeh rug is made from wool. Not only does this woollen pile look nice, it also feels plush underfoot. The cotton part of this handmade rug is the warp threads. These are the long strings of cotton that the knots are tied onto, and are also the first yarns added onto the loom before the weaving starts. 

How this Gabbeh style rug was made

This Afghan rug was handmade by traditional carpet weaving methods. The pile of this rug was made by hand-knotting. This 5x3 Gabbeh rug would have been woven by one weaver.

Hand-knotting is a time-honoured way of making rugs with pile. It is time-consuming. Every tuft of pile is made by a knot tied onto pairs of warp threads. The weaver will tie the knots in rows and then weave-in weft threads. Row after row, the pattern forms. 

Where you can use this handmade Afghan rug at home

This 5x3 Gabbeh rug is a versatile option that'll be a practical choice for use almost anywhere in your home. Not only is it hard wearing, it is also a sensible colour that will prove to be naturally dirt resistant. 

Key details:

• Country of origin: Afghanistan
• Size: 146×101cm / 4’10″x3’4″ 
• Thickness: 7mm
• Pile: Wool, hand-knotted
• Warp: Cotton
• Age: New