Extremely unusual and collectible tribal Belouch handmade rug thought to originate from early 20th century showing figurative representation of Afghan King with Palaces in background. Under the Crown, on the left, there is western calander date of 1919 so this may be Amanullah Khan (The reform King) 1919 - 1929. Amanullah's ten years of reign initiated a period of dramatic change in Afghanistan in both foreign and domestic politics. Starting in May 1919 when he won complete independence in the month-long Third Anglo-Afghan War with Britain, Amanullah altered foreign policy in his new relations with external powers and transformed domestic politics with his social, political, and economic reforms. Although his reign ended abruptly, he achieved some notable successes, and his efforts failed as much due to the centripetal forces of tribal Afghanistan and the machinations of Russia and Britain as to any political folly on his part.
This tradition of figurative representation is still found in the modern day Afghan War Rugs. |
