CARPETS

I have visited Aghanistan regularly since 1972, dealing in tribal art and testiles. In 2003 I asked by an old friend, Haji Nabi, to design carpets for weavers displaced by the Taliban in order to provide employment for them. It has been difficult working with a country at war but now I am employing 18 weavers who work exclusively on my designs. The carpets have been designed by me and are hand-knotted in pure wool in Afghanistan. The weaving process is slow and the number of carpets produced is limited. The main purpose of the project is to employ weavers, who are mostly women.

The sizes of the carpets can vary a little

as the weavers adapt my designs to fit their looms.

We still work with Haji Nabi's grandsons to coordinate the weaving project. A grandson has sent us this note;

"Our carpets are crafted by hardworking women aged between 40 to 50 years old, who devote their time and skill to this art. They work from their homes in the open air, facing numerous challenges, especially during the cold weather. Many of these talented artisans reside in Imam Sahib, a village in Kunduz, and we distribute to over 120 households in this area and the surrounding regions, including Mazar Sharif villages which is about 200 km away from the city centre.  

Unfortunately, there are no industries in their vicinity, and they often struggle with the harsh conditions. Some of them bring their weaving frames indoors to sleep next to them, trying to find warmth and comfort. They have expressed their desire for more durable steel frames, but the cost is prohibitive at this time.

We are committed to improving their working environment and will continue to explore ways to support them, but please understand that meaningful change takes time. Your support means the world to us and to the women whose lives are intertwined with this craft."