The Intriguing History Of Afghan Blankets: A Cultural Legacy Woven In Afghanistan

Afghan blankets, or simply Afghans, are knitted or crocheted blankets that are usually decorative and draped over furniture. The name Afghan is derived from the Pashtuns of eastern and southern Afghanistan, a country known for its distinctive textiles, colourful carpets, and lustrous karakul wool. The word Afghan to refer to these blankets became mainstream in America in the early 1800s, describing blankets and shawls made from multi-hued yarn.

The Kuchis, a nomadic people of Afghanistan, are known for their use of bright colours in their textiles

The Kuchi people have a rich cultural history that is an important part of Afghanistan's cultural heritage. They are known for their distinctive and colourful textiles, and their traditional garments are often richly decorated with intricate embroidery and bead-laden designs. These include the Kuchi dress, shirt, trouser, and chaddar for girls, as well as waistcoats and banjara handmade waistcoats. The Kuchi people have historically been pastoral nomads, depending on their livestock for their livelihood. They migrate across the country in search of seasonal pastures and milder weather, and their movements are determined by the weather and the availability of good pasturage.

In addition to their textiles, the Kuchi people are also known for their music and dance. They use tambourines and other instruments in their traditional dances, creating a festive and colourful spectacle.

However, the Kuchi people have faced many challenges in recent decades due to conflict, drought, and demographic shifts. Their nomadic lifestyle has been disrupted, and they have been encouraged to settle on lands already occupied by other ethnic groups, leading to tensions and disputes over land and resources. Despite their contributions to Afghanistan's culture and economy, the Kuchi people are among the poorest and most vulnerable groups in the country, facing discrimination and lacking access to basic services and economic opportunities.

Afghan blankets are usually knitted or crocheted

Afghan blankets can be made in a variety of styles, including single-piece afghans, mile-a-minute afghans, join-as-you-go afghans, motif afghans, and graphghans. They can be made using different knitting and crocheting techniques, such as granny square crochet, ripple stitch, chevron stitch, and moss stitch. Afghans can be made in any size, from lap-sized to baby blankets, and are often used as decorative pieces draped over furniture or as bedspreads.

The distinctive textiles of Afghanistan, including colourful carpets and lustrous karakul wool, inspired the term "Afghan" to be associated with knitted or crocheted blankets. The Pashtuns of eastern and southern Afghanistan are particularly known for their colourful textiles, and the word "Afghan" first appeared in English usage in the late 1700s to refer to this group.

Afghans are typically made from multi-hued yarn and can be created by sewing together small squares of crocheted fabric. This technique, known as "motif" afghans or "Granny Square Afghans", was commonly practised by grandmothers and great-grandmothers, who would carefully save yarn remnants to create colourful blankets.

The word 'afghan' was first used in the English language in the late 1700s to refer to the Pashtuns of Afghanistan

The word "Afghan" was first used in the English language in the late 1700s to refer to the Pashtuns of Afghanistan. The ethnonym "Afghan" has been used historically to refer to the Pashtun people of Afghanistan. The earliest mention of the name "Afghan" (Abgân) is by Shapur I of the Sassanid Empire during the 3rd century CE. In the 4th century, the word "Afghans/Afghana" (αβγανανο) is mentioned in Bactrian documents found in Northern Afghanistan. The term "Afghan" is later recorded in the 6th century CE in the form of "Avagāṇa" [अवगाण] by the Indian astronomer Varāha Mihira in his Brihat-samhita.

The word "Afghan" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Aśvakan", which means "horsemen", "horse breeders", or "cavalrymen" (from aśva or aspa, the Sanskrit and Avestan words for "horse"). The Arabic and Persian form of the name, "Afġān", was first attested in the 10th-century geography book "Hudud al-'Alam". The last part of the name, "-stan", is a Persian suffix meaning "place of". Therefore, "Afghanistan" translates to "land of the Afghans", or "land of the Pashtuns" in a historical sense.

The modern nation or country of Afghanistan became fully recognised by the world community in 1919, after the country regained independence over its foreign affairs from the British. Afghanistan's constitution of 1923 confirmed the country's name.

The word 'afghan' went mainstream in America in the early 1800s

The word "afghan" was first used in the English language in the late 1700s to refer to the Pashtuns of eastern and southern Afghanistan. Afghanistan is known for its distinctive textiles, colourful carpets, and lustrous karakul wool. This likely influenced the adoption of the word "afghan" to refer to knitted or crocheted blankets in the early 1800s.

By the mid-1800s, the patterned textiles of Afghanistan became fashionable in America and were referred to as Afghan shawls. This was eventually shortened to "afghan", and came to be used for handmade, colourfully patterned, crocheted or knitted blankets. The use of the word "afghan" in the English language for a textile object can be traced back to at least 1831, when Thomas Carlyle mentioned "Afghan shawls" in his "Sartor Resartus".

According to a 1946 article attributed to the Oregon Worsted Company, early American women would save leftover yarn, fibres unraveled from old clothing, and combine them to crochet small squares. These squares were then sewn together to create larger textiles such as blankets, bedspreads, shawls, or lap coverings. These "motif" afghans, characterised by their use of multi-hued yarn, became known as "Granny Square Afghans" as they were commonly made by grandmothers.

Afghans are often used as decorative pieces

Afghans, which are knitted or crocheted blankets, are often used as decorative pieces. They are draped over furniture or hung on walls as tapestries to add colour and texture to a room. They can also be used as bedspreads or blankets.

Afghans are usually crafted from wool or cotton and feature colourful geometric designs. They are typically handmade, with intricate patterns that showcase the maker's skill and creativity. The construction of an afghan is also straightforward, making it an ideal first project for beginners. Afghans are often given as gifts and can become cherished family heirlooms.

The term "afghan" is derived from the Persian word "avgan", meaning "horseman". It is believed that the blankets were originally made from horse wool and used by nomadic tribesmen. Over time, the term came to refer to any blanket or shawl made from wool.

In interior design, afghans can be used to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. They can be chosen to complement the existing décor of a room and are available in various sizes. Afghans are commonly used in living rooms and bedrooms, adding a decorative touch to these spaces.

Afghans are also significant in the culture of Afghanistan, where they are known for their distinctive textiles and colourful carpets. The use of the word "afghan" to describe these blankets may be linked to the country's rich textile traditions and the Pashtun people of Afghanistan.

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