Vintage Afghan Baluch Prayer Rug: Hand-Knotted Wool Mosque Design

This authentic village prayer rug was hand-knotted by Baluch weavers of western Afghanistan. The striking architectural field shows a mosque with flanking minarets set inside a prayer-niche (mihrab), rendered in glowing reds, rust, saffron and midnight blue.

Rich with tribal geometry—eight-point stars for protection, latticed panels, crenellations and hooked diamonds—the piece balances spiritual symbolism with bold graphic rhythm. It’s a captivating 3x5 class rug for collectors and moody interiors alike.

Created on a ground loom with fine, tightly packed asymmetric knots, the pile is resilient, low-medium and velvety to the touch. The back reveals the expected Baluch palette and clear knot rows; edges are hand-overcast with dark wool and the ends retain short, original fringes. Based on materials, palette and condition, this example dates to the late 20th century (c. 1985–2000) and has been well preserved.

Features:

Dimensions: 150 × 96 cm (≈ 4'11" × 3'2")

Origin & Group: Baluch weavers, Herat/western Afghanistan

Weave & Knot Type: Hand-knotted; asymmetrical (open-left) knots

Knot Density (est.): ~90–110 KPSI (14–17 per sq. cm); crisp patterning

Materials: Hand-spun wool pile; cotton warps with dark wool wefts; natural & village-grade colorfast dyes

Pile Height: Low-medium ≈ 4–6 mm; dense and even

Design (naqsha): Mosque and minarets within a prayer arch; protective eight-point stars, latticed panels, hooked diamonds

Borders: Star-and-vine main border echoing the star motifs of the field; ivory inner guard lines framing the architecture

Selvages & Ends: Hand-overcast wool selvages; original fringes secured

Age: Late 20th century, c. 1985–2000

Condition: Very good vintage—even pile, strong edges, ends secured; minor abrash and tiny age specks consistent with handmade origin

Best Uses: Prayer corner, study/library, entry, beside the bed; suits boho, rustic, maximalist, eclectic and dark-toned interiors

Care Instructions:

Vacuum lightly with a brushless upholstery head; avoid beater bars

Rotate every few months for even wear and light exposure

Blot spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth; avoid soaking

Spot clean with a pH-neutral wool detergent and cool water only

Use a quality rug pad to reduce slip and extend life

Professionally clean with a hand-knotted wool specialist when needed

Keep out of constant direct sunlight to preserve colors

Bring home a soulful piece of Baluch craftsmanship—an evocative architectural prayer rug whose glowing palette and protective symbols add history, warmth and depth to any room.