Condition: Iraq map showing American weapons and neighboring countries. Border from earlier designs. The attack helicopters and humvee are remarkably well drawn in these rugs. These are the first Afghan war rugs not representing Afghanistan. The vocabulary is constant but the subject has changed. These rugs demonstrate the degree to which war rugs have become an established vernacular in Afghan art. Note the misspelling in "WELLCOME". Tips of the red in the border are slightly redder than the orangey bases, indicating that it may have been painted. Tape on the back in the upper right corner may have been applied before the paint, as theres a distinct difference in color between the edges of the tape.
For a history of map rugs featuring Iraq, please see this blog post from 2007.Wool: Chobi. Shiny, straight fiber.
Sheen: Nice condition
Handle: Slightly floppy
Fringe: Large bands of multicolored weft substitution, vertical bands separate colors. Overhand knots.
Pile: 6 mm
Warp: Grey wool
Weft: Black cotton thread
