Afghanistan: Made with natural dyes and handspun wool. These rugs are finished with a low and slightly uneven pile that simulates the look and feel of antique carpets. The dye materials (madder roots and flowers, etc.) are collected from Afghanistan or Pakistan. Only long staple wool is used; collected at the time of the spring shearing from the high mountain region of central Afghanistan. This raw wool is washed, hand carded, and handspun. Weaving takes place in the northern areas of Afghanistan, the home of the Turkmen people. Carpet weaving is perhaps the most essential and revered cultural activity for Turkmen; something which traditionally all women take part in. Now many young men also are involved in weaving, something that evolved with the refugee situation in Pakistan were this weaving project originated. Most weaving takes place in individual family homes. Often multiple generations of Turkmen women (grandmothers, mothers, and their daughters) weave alongside one another. Proceeds from the sale of this rug benefit Barakat Inc. 11858