Description

The carpets reflect the heritage of cottage-based craftsmanship passed through generations of families. The majority of carpets produced by the initiative are made from indigenous Afghan wool purchased from nomads that is then hand-spun to add to the quality. Out of over 900 breeds of sheep, only a select few qualify to meet the quality requirements of the wool used in the production of fine carpets. Only the best section of the sheep’s fleece is used for each carpet. The finest quality wool used by the initiative ensures the carpets pile strength, sheen, smoothness and durability. The initiative also produces carpets that are a combination of wool and silk. All carpets are woven using a cotton foundation to ensure strength, reduce shrinkage, and guarantee the rug will keep its shape. The carpets are designed by local university students who are supervised by Afghanistan’s most famous carpet designer. Designs are both contemporary and dated using antique motifs from carpets that are centuries old. Full scale graph paper is used which indicates to the weaver the color for each knot. Every knot is represented by a tiny square similar to pixels. Another key determinant of the fineness of a carpet is the number of knots, the higher the quality of the carpet. The initiative further works to tackle environmental degradation through the use of natural vegetable dyes and traditional washing methods; thus ensuring no environmental damage to the Kabul River, which runs into Pakistan and eventually joins the Indus.