Afghan Tribal Arts

Facebook

Instagram

Afghan Tribal Arts is based in Paducah, Kentucky, USA, where its shop showcases beads from around the world, gemstones, rocks, tribal rugs, vintage textiles, and crafts from around the world. Abdul Wardak was born in Afghanistan and immigrated to the United States in 1979. He worked in the insurance world for many years but traveling back and forth to see family led him to start importing and by 1997 he had amassed a huge collection of wonderful textiles, carvings, rugs and more from Central Asia.

A true nomad, Abdul spends most of his time on the road, working bead and rock shows on a route between Wisconsin and Florida. The most common shows he does are through G&LW – Gem and Lapidary Wholesalers, a venue that sets up in different cities. You can check the schedule here and if one of them is near you, contact Abdul to see if he will be there.

Call Abdul: 847-602-6651

He also usually does the Tucson and Denver Gem Shows.  The core of the business is in the gemstones that are imported from Afghanistan. They are hand cut and unpolished, made for jewelry artists who incorporate them into their designs. When worn, the beads absorb the oils of the skin and over time, take on a beautiful sheen.

If you are in the Paducah, Kentucky area, visit the shop located at 626 Broadway on the main strip downtown.

Abdul is also a poet!  He has a Facebook page, The Writings of Abdul Wardak, where he posts occasionally.  Here is one:

A journey unknown.

Nor will any understand.

In the fields of happy times,

All the flowers are not the same.

Some bloomed, some are yet to bloom.

But the forceful wind of autumn

Raids the garden out of life.

An end unknown.

Nor will any understand.

We came crying into life

And will leave laughing to the end.

A path unknown.

Nor will any understand.

In the ocean of life

we leap like the dolphins in a circle.

Abdul is using our cart here on Artizan Made. We ship from Paducah, Kentucky, USA.

See his full shop here to see what is in stock:   Afghan Tribal Arts Shop