War rugs
Afghanistan's knotted history

On 24 December 1979 Soviet troops crossed the border into Afghanistan, beginning a protracted 10-year war. As the country was transformed by conflict, Afghan weavers started to include imagery of modern warfare in their carpets and rugs. Birds were replaced by military helicopters. Guns took the place of flowers. Demons fought alongside tanks. This fusion of traditional crafts with the recording of contemporary history created a new artform: Afghan war rugs.

This display presents some of the remarkable rugs from the British Museum collection, alongside a selection of objects that explore Afghanistan's complex past and turbulent present. Located between Asia and the Middle East, Afghanistan has always been a point of connection for different cultures. Yet it was also a strategically important territory that dynasties and empires fought over to control.

Afghanistan's traditions of carpet-weaving reflect its ethnic diversity. Weavers from different tribal groups made rugs with their own styles and motifs. However, when much of the population was displaced by the Soviet-Afghan war and driven into refugee camps, these distinctions began to disappear. Hybrid designs emerged, with new kinds of imagery and depictions of events such as the Soviet retreat and the US-led 'war on terror'.

Initially bought by military personnel, journalists and diplomatic and humanitarian staff working in the region, war rugs are now collected and exhibited worldwide. They continue to be produced to this day to reflect Afghanistan's changing political landscape.