New Afghan Heriz Design Round Rug — 6' Round

The Malalai is hand-knotted in a 19th-century Heriz design, its bold, angular medallion drawing thoughtfully updated with muted, contemporary color rather than the deeper, more saturated tones of period originals. For more on Heriz motifs and related design vocabularies, see our guide to common rug motifs.

The wool is hand-spun Ghazni wool, sourced in Afghanistan and known for its soft hand and natural luster, colored with vegetable dyes for depth and warmth. Explore more Heriz design pieces in our guide to the best rug styles for collectors.

At 6' round, the Malalai suits round dining tables, foyers, and any space that calls for a circular anchor with classic structure and a softened, present-day palette.

Heriz rugs originate from the villages surrounding the town of Heriz in northwest Persia, celebrated for bold, angular medallion drawing and a sturdy, durable weave. Afghan weavers, particularly those working with prized Ghazni wool, have long produced rugs in this style and others drawn from across the region's shared design heritage, valued for the wool's exceptional softness and sheen.

The Malalai reflects this Afghan interpretation of the Heriz design, with a palette updated for contemporary interiors rather than matched to historical originals. Browse more pieces from this collection in our Heriz collection.

Malalai means "sad, grieved" in Pashto. It was the name of Malalai of Maiwand, a Pashtun woman who famously rallied Afghan forces during the 1880 Battle of Maiwand against the British, becoming one of Afghanistan's most enduring national symbols of courage.

The name honors this rug's Afghan craftsmanship and the resilience woven into the Ghazni wool tradition—a piece that takes a classic, historically weighted design and gives it new, softened life for a contemporary home.

Malalai captures the Heriz design at its most quietly resolute: structured, muted, and made to endure.

• Primary material: Hand-spun Ghazni wool
• Construction: Hand-knotted
• Dye method: Vegetable dyes
• Foundation: Traditional woven foundation
• Condition: New

New condition. As a hand-spun, hand-knotted rug, slight variations in texture and dye tone are normal and add to its handmade character.

Ready for immediate in-home use.

Vacuum gently using suction only. Avoid rotating brushes or beater bars.

Blot spills immediately with a white cloth; avoid harsh chemicals, which may affect the vegetable dyes.

Use a quality rug pad to reduce movement and provide support. Rotate periodically to encourage even wear.

Is this an antique or vintage rug?
No. The Malalai is a newly made hand-knotted rug, woven in Afghanistan in a 19th-century Heriz design updated with contemporary color.

What is Ghazni wool?
Ghazni wool comes from sheep raised in the Ghazni region of Afghanistan, prized among weavers for its softness, strength, and natural sheen.

Is it durable?
Hand-knotted wool rugs are known for holding up well over time with proper care; see our care instructions above.