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War Rugs Find Mixed Reception in New York

Weaves Juxtapose Traditional Styles with Modern Tragedy

Detail of a rug, woven by an Afghan Turkman, that depicts the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade C

Detail of a rug, woven by an Afghan Turkman, that depicts the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center.

Kevin Sudeith

A few years ago, strange images began showing up in the traditional rugs woven by natives of Afghanistan. Instead of trees and birds, some rugs depicted tanks, missiles and fighter jets — familiar sights in the war-torn nation. These rugs have now developed a cult following, and New York artist Kevin Sudeith has set up a Web site to sell them. But in a city scarred by terrorism, NPR's Jim Zarroli reports that some of the rugs have proven controversial.

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