Barjesta Kilim

Description

Barjasta (also spelled Barjesta / Barjasta) kilims are traditional hand-woven flatweave rugs associated mainly with tribal weaving communities in Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan. The word “barjasta” in Persian/Urdu generally means “prominent,” “elevated,” or “distinguished,” which traders often use to describe high-quality or standout pieces rather than a single strict tribal origin.

Origins in Kilim Tradition:
Barjasta kilims belong to the broader family of Kilim rugs — flat-woven textiles made without pile. Kilims have been produced for thousands of years across:
Anatolia, Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia.

Making of Barjasta Kilims:
While older tribal kilims were purely flat-woven, many Barjasta pieces (especially from the 20th century onward) show a combination of flatweave and short pile sections. This hybrid construction made them:
More durable, Slightly softer underfoot, Visually textured

These rugs became popular in regional bazaars and later in export markets during the mid-20th century as demand for handmade tribal rugs increased globally.

Feature:
Geometric medallions
Stylized floral motifs
Diamond and lattice patterns
Rich reds, deep blues, ivory, and earthy tones
Natural wool and vegetable dyes were traditionally used, though modern versions may use synthetic dyes.