This 9'3" x 11'11" afghani rug features a unique mamluk design with a tribal style. The rug has a navy background and a red border, with the main color being blue. It is a new rug, made with wool on cotton content.

Mamluk carpets have a rich history, and while scholars have not reached a consensus on their origins, production of these carpets began in the second half of the fifteenth century and continued even after the Ottoman conquest of Egypt in 1517. The earliest record of Mamluk rug weaving is attributed to Damascus, Syria, but evidence suggests a center of production in Cairo, Egypt. Mamluk carpets were used in both religious and residential structures, and were even used to line the streets during processions.

This particular rug is of Afghan origin, woven by ethnic Turkmen weavers, mostly from the Esari subtribe. The wool used comes from sheep in the Ghazni Province of Southeast Afghanistan, known for its high-quality wool suitable for carpet weaving. The raw wool is brought to Herat, where it is hand carted and hand spun into carpet yarn. The rug is woven on traditional floor looms in people's own homes, following the asymmetrical "Persian" knot type.

The double-wefted depressed warp weaving technique used in this rug makes it highly durable. The all-natural dye stuffs used to create the vibrant colors include natural indigo for the blue tones and natural madder root for the red tones. Indigo dye, derived from the leaves of the indigo plant, has a long history of use in various cultures around the world. Madder root, derived from the roots of the madder plant, has been cultivated for centuries and can produce a range of warm and cool shades of red, orange, pink, and brown.

With a knots per square inch of 162, this rug boasts a total of 2,560,173 individually hand-tied knots. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are evident in every aspect of this rug.

Whether you're looking for a unique piece to add character to your space or appreciate the historical significance of Mamluk design, this afghani mamluk tribal rug is the perfect choice. Its high-quality materials, traditional weaving techniques, and vibrant colors make it a timeless and durable addition to any home.