Vintage Afghan tribal prayer rug, hand-knotted from the 1950s.

In this advertisement, you will find a small vintage Afghan prayer rug handmade from wool. It is characterised by its dark red colours and bold geometric patterns, including recurring octagonal or diamond shapes known as 'guls' or 'elephant footprints', symbolising tribal identity or luck. The specific design of the rug, with a niche or distinct arch shape at one end adorned with vertical floral twigs, suggests that it is a prayer rug, the arch representing the mihrab (niche of the mosque) indicating the direction of Mecca. Made in Afghanistan in the 1950s, the rug is in very good condition. For any further questions regarding this piece, please feel free to contact me. Happy shopping!.