$3,800
Woven in the town of Maimana in northwestern Afghanistan. Unlike pile carpets, a kelim is made by tightly interlacing hand-spun wool, producing a textile that is strong, flexible, and practical for daily life. For generations, Afghan families used these kelims as bedding, coverings, and insulation, creating objects that were both functional and deeply cultural.
Hooked motifs carry symbolic meaning, such as protection, continuity, and fertility. Colours come from natural dyes, madder root for reds, indigo for blues, walnut husk for browns which soften into rich earthy tones over time. Each piece tells of the land itself, transformed by hand into art.
Durable and versatile, this kelim was made to move with nomadic families, folded and carried from one season to the next. Their survival into the modern world reflects both their strength and timeless appeal.
In stock
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hello@therugshop.com.au / 02 6687 2424
Free Shipping within Australia.
Your rug will be shipped within 1-3 business days and should arrive within 3-5 business days from the ship date. Multiple items within the same order may not arrive together.
When your order is processed, you will receive an email containing a tracking number and dispatch confirmation.
Domestic shipping we use TNT express couriers & Aus post.
International shipping we use INTERPARCEL.
Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery. Please contact us as soon as possible if you are considering a return. Buyer is responsible for return postage cost. Any returns must be unused and in original of when purchased.
No returns on our “Clearance” rugs or any rugs on sale.
The word kelim refers to a flatwoven rug made without pile, a technique older than the knotted carpet and still prized for its strength and versatility. The Antique Afghan Maimana Kelim belongs to this ancient family of textiles. It was not created as a decorative item for the market but as an integral part of nomadic and village life. Families used them for bedding, insulation, and as protective floor coverings in the challenging climate of Afghanistan.
Maimana, a town in Faryab Province in the northwest, became the most important centre for these kelims. Weavers here developed a bold, unmistakable style featuring strong geometry, earthy palettes, and powerful designs that continue to speak of Afghan resilience and artistry.
Each Antique Afghan Maimana Kelim is woven entirely by hand on a horizontal loom, often outdoors or in family homes. The wool is sourced from highland Afghan sheep, known for their rich lanolin and natural sheen. This wool is spun by hand, producing a yarn that carries subtle variations in thickness, giving the finished kelim a vibrant and authentic character.
The flatweave structure makes these rugs incredibly durable while also light and flexible. For nomadic families who moved with the seasons, such practicality was essential. These kelims were made to be folded, carried, and used again and again. Their survival into the present is proof of both their utility and their remarkable durability.
The Antique Afghan Maimana Kelim is instantly recognisable for its bold geometric designs. Rows of large central diamonds dominate the field, surrounded by zigzagging borders, stepped forms, and hooked motifs. These shapes are not arbitrary but symbolic. Diamonds often signify protection and the strength of the household, while zigzags suggest water, life, and continuity.
The colour palette is deeply rooted in the land itself. Madder root provides reds, indigo leaves yield blue, and walnut husks and other plants produce browns, creams, and greens. Over decades, these colours mellow into a soft patina that collectors and enthusiasts prize. Each rug is therefore not just a visual object but a map of Afghanistan’s natural resources, transformed by human hands into art.
What sets the Antique Afghan Maimana Kelim apart is its grounding in Afghan culture. Every thread and motif tells of village and tribal life, of families who raised sheep, sheared their wool, dyed their yarns, and wove their stories into cloth. The rhythm of the repeating diamonds reflects the rhythm of rural life, steady and enduring. The kelim embodies protection, practicality, and beauty, all made to serve both home and spirit.
Today, the Antique Afghan Maimana Kelim is prized by collectors worldwide for its authenticity and rarity. Unlike mass-produced textiles, each piece is unique, carrying the individual hand of its maker. The wear, patina, and softened colours of antique examples add to their charm, marking them as survivors of time.
At The Rug Shop, we select only those Maimana kelims that represent the finest qualities of the tradition: strong structure, balanced design, and natural dyes that have aged beautifully. These rugs are more than antiques; they are living records of Afghan craft and culture.
The Antique Afghan Maimana Kelim is more than a rug. It is a cultural artefact, a testament to the endurance of Afghan weaving, and a bridge between past and present. Handwoven from Afghan sheep wool, dyed with the plants of the Afghan landscape, and patterned with symbols of protection and life, it embodies the strength and artistry of a people.
Can I get the same rug in a different size?
Each of our rugs is an individual, hand made work of art because of that it is not possible for us to have duplicates in different sizes.
How are your rugs made?
All of our rugs are 100% Handmade on a loom. We have created a close relationship with all of the craftspeople who make our rugs which allows us to get the highest quality rugs directly from the people who made them.
Are your rugs new/used?
We offer a variety of both new and used Persian rugs from many areas including Persia, Turkey, and Morocco see below for more info on locations.
NEW: We support over 30 families in Afghanistan who produce the highest quality Persian rugs.
OLD ANTIQUE VINTAGE: We source our used rugs from village and tribal families at source. As well as attend worldwide auctions. We have formed relationships with Persian rug collectors that allow us to get incredible pieces that are not normally on the market.
Can I try before i buy?
We have a “try before you buy” system for approved customers.
Where are your rugs from?
Afghanistan, Persia, Pakistan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Morocco etc.
