Afghan Khorjin Small Rug

The History & Provenance They are woven by various tribal populations in Afghanistan including Baluch, Pashtun (Kuchi), Hazara and Turkmen (Ersari) people. Craftsmanship & Texture Khorjin rugs (Persian meaning: saddlebag) have a relatively contemporary design compared to other traditional rugs, however their design goes back a long time. Originally they were used by nomadic peoples throughout Afghanistan, Iran and Central Asia, as bags and pouches, draped over horses and donkeys to carry items. Motif & Design Symbolism These rugs have a characteristic striped design without a traditional border. They also have sparse geometric or floral designs, reflecting their tribal and utilitarian origins. The mixture of geometric motifs and simple stripes imitates a patchwork design, which traditional Khorjin bags consisted of. Traditionally, designs could signal the tribe, region, or even clan affiliation.