Video of the Chobi Kelim rug
The process of making Afghan Kelim rugs
Chobi Kelim rugs in the Maymanah province of Afghanistan are mainly made by Turkmen and Uzbek women in their homes. A larger but simple loom is used to weave the Kelim rug for the living room, which requires about 7-9 kilograms of wool yarn to make 5-6 square meters of Chobi Kilim rug. Afghan Kelim rugs are mainly made by women who, in addition to their domestic work, supplement their families' income and provide for their children's education. Even young girls learn the technique of making hand woven Kilim rugs at an early age, which is part of the Afghan cultural tradition and is not considered forced child labour, as it is done voluntarily. Men are less involved in Kelim weaving, and are therefore more likely to be excluded from this tradition. The weavers are paid for their work on a continuous basis, the trader pays them weekly for each part of the Kilim rug they have completed, thus securing their financial situation. When guests come to the weavers' homes, the women have to cook, but the weaving of the Kelim carpet does not stop. The female guests help with the weaving while enjoying a good conversation or a cup of tea, thus strengthening the community spirit and cultural identity. A large Kelim rug of about 200x300 cm can take 4-6 months to complete. Once the Chobi Kelim rug is finished, the trader takes it to the laundry where it is thoroughly washed and dried in the sun, or if the weather is not favourable, dried with ventilators. Once these processes are completed, the Chobi Kilim rugs are imported to CarpetDepo's warehouse in Europe and from there to the customers. We hope that you will appreciate the ethnic Kelim rugs, which are not only the result of a long process of work, but also reflect an ancient folk tradition. The authentic Kelim rugs are special not only for their physical beauty, but also for their cultural value. In our decades of carpet trading, we have visited many carpet weavers in their homes to ensure that the production is not done by forced child labour. At CarpetDepo, our ethical stance is paramount that we do not work with families where children are forced to work instead of studying, respecting human rights and promoting sustainable production. These wool Kelim rugs are particularly suitable for the living room, because they are not only practical and durable, but their aesthetic value adds to the cosy and elegant look of the living room. With their unique patterns and colours, handmade Kilim rugs are one of a kind pieces that will create a special atmosphere in any home.
The treasure of Afghan art: the Chobi Kilim rug
The hand woven Afghan Kilim rug is recognised and loved throughout the world. The unique characteristic of the Chobi Kelim rug is that it is denser and more compact than other ethnic Kelim rugs, due to its special weaving technique. This technique makes Afghan Kelim rugs thinner and faster to make than traditionally knotted rugs. The pattern of the Chobi Kilim rug is antique in style, but those who prefer modern designs can also find one to suit their taste. Authentic Kelim rugs are particularly popular because they blend in perfectly with most living room colour schemes and are among the most affordable rugs available. Chobi Kelim rugs can be used in many different ways to decorate your home. They can be used as wall hanging rugs or laid in the traditional way on the floor. These ethnic Kilim rugs are an ideal choice for the living room, where they can act as a focal point of the room. Afghan Kelim rugs have a special artistic value, which is notable not only for their aesthetic value, but also for their historical and cultural significance. Handmade Kelim rugs carry the heritage of Afghan craftsmanship and traditions, making each Kilim unique and unrepeatable. The wool Kelim rugs are made from natural materials, which contribute to the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the living room.
How to clean the Kelim rug?
Caring for your Chobi Kelim rug doesn't require any special expertise, but it is important to follow a few basic steps to maintain its beauty and durability.
- A slightly damp cloth is sufficient to remove minor stains. Be careful not to soak your Kelim. Don't wait for the stain to dry on your Kilim, you should act immediately.
- Alternatively, you can use a carpet cleaning foam suitable for cleaning wool, which is readily available in the shops. Before using, test the carpet cleaning foam on a small area to make sure it will not damage the colour or material of the Kelim.
- However, if you encounter more stubborn stains or would like a major cleaning after a few years, it is advisable to use a professional carpet cleaning service.
- Vacuuming and gentle spot cleaning will preserve the integrity and beauty of your Kelim for the long term. Regular vacuuming should be done on the lowest setting of the vacuum cleaner, as Kelim rug does not hold dust and is therefore easy to clean.
- Sometimes it is also worth cleaning under the rug to protect the Kilim from moths.
- Be careful not to place heavy furniture on the Kilim rug, as this can damage the weave of the Kelim.
For Afghan Kelim rugs and other ethnic Kelim rugs, you should also use these cleaning methods to keep the Kilim rug in your living room clean and well cared for at all times.
It is important to note that there is an old tradition of hanging Kelim rugs and beating them with a duster stick to clean them, this method can damage a hand woven Kilim rug as well as any other type of handmade rug.
We hope that you will be satisfied with the hand woven Chobi Kelim rug you purchase from us and that you will enjoy using it.
