Try to find a war rug.

Steve, if I were there I would visit the local bazaars. There will be plenty of choices I suppose. I personally prefer tribal rugs, Turkoman, Baluchis. When having lived in Kuwait some years ago, we went to the Friday market (maybe every Friday). My Afghan friends there baught their stuff during the hot summer months in Mazar or Herat, I suppose. Excellent quality and quite inexpensive. I have recently been able to get, via Amazon, a copy of the classic, R.D. Parsons' "The Carpets of Afghanistan" (1983, 1990). Although not even 20 years old in its new edition, it definitely describes a world which is gone. Another revealing book is S. Azadi's "Carpets in the Baluch Tradition" (1986). Regarding women. 'Real' carpets in tribal societies are woven by women sitting in their tents and producing for their dowry. This has, however become an industry and even child labor has to be expected. To make a living in refugee camps, men are also willing to weave.

Wow, glad I found this thread. I've got a friend who's Afghani and is excited to do some rug shopping for me in Afghanistan.

He's asked me which type of rug I'd like and some colors I'd like as well. I feel like this is a pretty cool opportunity so I'm not looking for a low-end rug. He'll bring it back for me so I won't have to pay shipping which means I'm willing to spend a little money to get something special.

Any thoughts? I know it's a little subjective but what type of Afghan rug would some of you rug experts look for if you were in my shoes. Are there any colors that are more desirable than others?

Also what are some of your thoughts on war rugs? They're a little un-nerving to me but seem about at regional/historical as it gets as far as Afghan rugs go. Any thoughts?