Woven Witness: Afghan War Rugs and Afghan Freedom Quilt July 29, 2007

This exhibit takes a closer look at the influence of war on the evolution of traditional Afghan rug design, from the Russian invasion through the current U.S.-Taliban war. Whether individual rugs were woven as political statements, personal reflections, or as souvenirs for soldiers, only the weavers could reveal for certain. Regardless of intent, these examples are a powerful testament to the relevancy of the rug form, its expressive capacity and the ability of a people to adapt to the ravages of war. Along with 'Woven Witness: Afghan War Rugs,' the museum will also display the 'Afghan Freedom Quilt,' a collaborative sewing and fund-raising project sponsored by the Foundation for Self-Reliance.