This early 20th-century Afghani Sumac rug features a deceptively simple yet intricately woven geometric design, with repeated diamonds encircling the field—each framed by a zigzag pattern that creates a sense of movement and energy. The central panel is anchored by a series of diamond medallions and three bold horizontal stripes, giving the composition a striking graphic rhythm. Woven in a rich palette of crimson, orange, white, and deep indigo wool, the rug showcases the bold color combinations typical of tribal weaving. Sumac rugs, known for their flat-weave construction and embroidered appearance, are traditionally handwoven by tribal women across Afghanistan’s northern regions. These weavers use age-old techniques passed down through generations, often working without formal patterns, relying instead on memory and intuition. The result is a textile that blends artistry, functionality, and cultural identity. This rug is a vivid example of that tradition—graphic, expressive, and full of hand-wrought character.
