Guban

The collection draws inspiration from the designs of utilitarian mats carried around by one of the most resilient nomadic tribes of the Sahara desert: the Tuaregs. Traditionally, these mats are crafted using dried palm reeds and leather. Hand-knotted in the highlands of Afghanistan with hand-carded and hand-spun wool, the Sahara collection provides a contemporary interpretation of the Tuareg mats by exploring the traditional symbology of star and cross patterns with a palette of earthy tones and indigo that reflects its design narrative. The range took over three years to develop, prioritising sensitivity in its cultural designs and use of significant colours.

Material

Pure wool from the highlands of Afghanistan.

Colours

Brown | Beige

Size

Standard and custom sizes available.

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About the designers

The Ahmadi Brothers

The Ahmadi brothers were forced to leave Afghanistan in 1984 as refugees of The Soviet War, ultimately emigrating to the United States. Despite their newfound life in the United States, the family have committed to empowering women in Afghanistan.

Following Afghanistan’s liberation from the Taliban in 2003, the Ahmadi brothers returned to Kabul to establish their workshop, starting with just twenty local women. 15 years later, they currently employ 120 women and have seen the positive impact their recruitment has made. Turning to traditional fabrics, cloths and mats, their range explores modern interpretations of these designs while also approaching each collection with ethnographic sensibility.