An Afghan rug is a handmade floor covering, named for the country of its production (Afghanistan).   Afghan rugs may also be handmade by Afghani craftsmen who live as refugees in Pakistan and Iran.  There are many types of Afghan rugs, all distinctive and varied in monetary value.  Protect the beauty and value of your Afghan rug by entrusting their care to the knowledgeable professional technicians at Oriental Rug Care NY. Typically, the rich hues found in Afghan rugs are the result of vegetable dyes.  Wool, goat hair, and camel hair are commonly used materials for making the rugs themselves.  Afghan rugs can be used as prayer rugs, ceremonial pieces, or as part of the design and décor of a nomadic home.  While patterns and colors can vary, among the most traditional of Afghan rug designs is that of a Bukhara print, an elephant’s foot set on a deep red background.  True artisans still do their own dyeing today, although pre-dyed wool yarn featuring synthetic dyes are also widely available.  This is used increasingly in commercial production of Afghan rugs.   (more…)