TOUR – Weaving Conflict: Afghan War Carpets at Nickle Galleries
Beginning around 1980, Afghan weavers began incorporating images of fighter jets, guns, and tanks into their carpet designs—likely in response to the arrival of Soviet forces in 1979.
Beginning around 1980, Afghan weavers began incorporating images of fighter jets, guns, and tanks into their carpet designs—likely in response to the arrival of Soviet forces in 1979. While the motifs were novel, Afghan War Rugs, as the genre has been named, are related to a long tradition of Persian pictorial carpets. The Nickle's collection allude to, in part, weavers' survival strategies and resilience during the conflicts and turmoil of the last decades of the 20th century. Join Michele Hardy for a behind-the scenes visit to the vault and a look at some remarkable textiles produced between 1980-2007. Hardy is a curator, anthropologist and textile specialist who has worked with the collection for almost two decades. Please note food and drink are not allowed on the tour and you will be asked to check bags and wash hands before entering the vault. As there is no seating in the vault area, participants should expect to stand for about an hour. If you have mobility concerns, or questions, please contact mhardy@ucalgary.ca. Meet at the entrance to Nickle Galleries, ground floor, Taylor Family Digital Library, University of Calgary.Space is limited, please pre-register Always free. Everyone welcome.   Always free. Everyone welcome.
Taylor Family Digital Library
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. to Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. (Calgary time)
Last checked: 2026-09-27T05:23:54.511Z