Woven Words at Sotheby's: Afghan Poetry in Thread

This summer, Sotheby's Bond Street becomes home to an extraordinary celebration of Afghan textile heritage. Weaving Poems, a collaboration between Turquoise Mountain and Sotheby's, presents fourteen exquisite carpets that transform ancient poetry into contemporary art, running now until the 22 August 2025.

At the heart of this collection lies the vision of Afghan designer Maryam Omar, who has worked alongside the women weavers of Bamiyan in central Afghanistan to create twenty-four carpets that sing with cultural memory. Each piece draws inspiration from poems traditionally associated with weaving practices, while the natural and cultural landscapes of the Bamiyan valley breathe life into every thread.

Detail of an artisan weaving a Turquoise Mountain carpet for Maryam Omar. Image Courtesy of Turquoise Mountain.

The artistry is profoundly local and authentic. Using locally-sourced spun wool and natural mineral dyes, twenty-four named women weavers - including Nakbakht, Shahra Bano, Sadiqa, Ruqia, and Razia - have poured their skill and heritage into each carpet. Their names, carefully recorded, ensure these master craftswomen receive recognition for their exceptional work...

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Image Credits:

Lead Image: Atmosphere Faza, Hand Knotted Carpet woven by Bamiyan women weavers. Designed by Maryam Omar.