Baluch – Size: 60 x 228 cm

The Baluchis live on the border district between Iran and Afghanistan in Sistan and Baluchestan Province. Baluch is a generic term of nomads consisting of smaller tribes with varied origin. Their livelihood consists of agriculture, raising sheep, goats and camels together with carpet manufacturing. The Baluch carpets have a close relationship with carpets from Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. The colours are often dull and dark red, dark blue, black and brown. The patterns are geometrical with curvilinear life trees. They are often designed as prayer carpets with a prayer niche.

Sometimes, the carpets have decorative kilims on the short sides to protect the carpet against wear. The long sides often consist of many cables, made with goat and horse hair. The warp is made of wool or a mixture of wool and goat hair and newer carpets have a warp made of cotton. The workmanship is of high quality; these carpets are tight and thin and give a real feeling of genuine nomadic handicraft. The carpets are mostly made in small sizes with lively patterns and prayer carpets are common.These carpets are sold in the city of Mashhad in Iran and are called Mashhad-Baluch carpets.

Click on the photo to enlarge