Afghan Baluchi

Description

Baluchi (or Balochi) rugs are traditional hand-woven carpets created by the Baloch people, a tribal group whose homeland stretches across southeastern Iran, southwestern Afghanistan, and parts of western Pakistan. Rug weaving has been part of everyday life there for centuries — not as a commercial activity at first, but as a functional craft tied to nomadic and semi-nomadic life.

How They Were Made?
Woven by hand, usually on horizontal ground looms, often by women within families.

Built from local animal wool — typically from sheep, sometimes goat or camel — and dyed with natural plant and mineral dyes.

Smaller sizes were common because they were easy to weave, transport, and use in nomadic camps.

Design Aesthetic & Symbolism
Baluchi designs are unmistakable:
Geometric patterns — diamonds, guls (medallions), axis-aligned motifs.

Dark, earthy palettes — deep reds, brownish-blacks, navy blues, rust, and ivory highlights.

Prayer motifs like the tree of life or mosque niche on prayer rugs.

These designs weren’t merely decorative — they often echo tribal identity, spiritual symbols, and elements of daily life. Some motifs are interpreted as protective or emblematic of tribal lore.