Afghan Aqcha Rug

This is a brand new authentic Aqcha rug, handmade in Afghanistan. Aqcha rugs are one of the original Afghan rugs which have the characteristic deep red (from madder root extract) and dark blue/black colour. However, newer designs are being woven with different bold colours such as blue, green and orange. Although these rugs have a lower knot count than more finer rugs, they have a relatively thicker and dense pile which provides a softer texture. They use the symmetrical Turkish (Ghiordes) knot and the design is well known for it's 'elephant foot' design - large, repeated octagonal motifs. The border often consists of smaller floral and geometric motifs including 'almond' motifs, representing a sweet harvest. Despite their nomadic roots, these rugs' designs are more standardised and less free-form than other tribal rugs like Baluch or Gabbeh rugs. These rugs are produced in the town of Aqcha, located in northern Afghanistan, near the cities of Sheberghan, Mazari-Sharif, and Andkhoy. They are primarily woven by the Ersari tribe, a nomadic Turkmen people.