Old Afghan Baluch Rug c. 1980

The History & Provenance These rugs are woven by the nomadic Baluch people, an ethnic group with a long history in southwestern Afghanistan, including the provinces of Nimruz, Farah, Herat and Helmand. Designs were often passed down orally and visually rather than written patterns. Baluch rugs historically were only made as smaller accent rugs due to the smaller portable looms the nomads used. Craftsmanship & Texture The main colour theme of dark red, rust, navy blue, deep brown, and black, coming from madder root, indigo, and walnut husk dyes. These rugs often have a thick shaggy or a dense pile, which comes from their original use of covering floors, wrapping goods, sleeping, and religious purposes. Motif & Design Symbolism Baluch rugs are one of the most culturally rich and traditional rugs in Afghanistan. They use the asymmetrical Persian (Senneh) knots which allows Baluch rugs to have a tight pile with a high knot density. The designs are varied and often unique, including prayer mat, flower, tree of life and animal motif designs.