War rugs are typically woven by refugees which originated during Soviet occupation Afghanistan around 1979. During this time, locals rug weavers began integrating details of the conflicts with images of people, guns, grenades, helicopters and airplanes into their works. These rugs were not particularly graphic in bloodshed, rather documented the influence of weaponry and tools of invasion.
For a thorough assessment of war rugs, visit http://www.warrug.com/ for exhibitions and blogging!