Vintage Mushwani Runner

This runner comes from the Herat region of western Afghanistan, where pinning down the exact tribal origin of any woven piece is rarely straightforward. The Baloch and the many communities who lived and wove alongside them shared the same land, materials and design traditions for generations, and their rugs carry that shared history.

The Mushwani are a Pashtun origin tribe spread across Herat and Badghis provinces, who absorbed much of their weaving tradition from the Baloch neighbours they lived beside. That inheritance shows here: the deep madder-red field, the kilim ends in red and indigo, and a column of stepped diamond medallions in indigo and navy running down the centre, with ivory appearing as a quiet accent throughout.

Fifty years have done what they should. The wool has settled into an even, low pile and the colours have reached a depth that only age and natural dye together can produce.

• Size: 4 x 12 ft / 122 x 366 cm
• Origin: Herat Region, Western Afghanistan
• Date: Circa 1970s
• Weave Type: Hand-knotted pile with flatweave kilim ends
• Materials: Wool on wool
• Colors: Deep crimson, indigo, navy, black, ivory