Vintage Baluch Double-Mihrab Rug – Hand-Knotted Wool, Tree-of-Life Motifs, Red & Navy Tribal Small Rug

This authentic village prayer rug was hand-knotted by Baluch weavers from the Greater Khorasan / western Afghanistan borderlands. The striking double-mihrab (twin niche) layout—each niche sprouting a stylized tree-of-life—is framed by deep navy and madder-red borders filled with small rosettes and running-hook guard stripes. Compact and finely woven, it’s an heirloom-quality accent for an entry, meditation corner, or as a wall hanging.

Woven entirely in glossy hand-spun wool on a wool foundation, the rug shows the classic Baluch palette: saturated brick reds, midnight blue, camel, ivory, and small flashes of saffron and emerald. The soft, velvety pile and intact kilim end finishes confirm a handmade piece from a nomadic/seminomadic tradition where prayer rugs are personal textiles used daily and treasured for life.

The central design presents two stacked prayer niches (janamaz format) with ascending tree-of-life stems—symbols of continuity and blessing—topped by small “ram’s horn/bird” brackets for protection. Octagonal flowerheads (rosettes) march through the inner panel, while the main navy border carries repeating diamond rosettes—a hallmark seen on many Baluch family pieces. The meandering “running dog”/hooked guards add movement and echo the latch-hook geometry within the field.

Knotting is tight and regular with asymmetrical (open-left) knots, a structure frequently used by Baluch groups. Colors show natural wool shades with likely madder-based reds and a few later synthetic highlight tones (the bright orange), typical of mid-late 20th-century village dye practice. Judging by the even wear, intact side cords, and lustrous wool, this example dates to c. 1970s–1980s.

Features

Dimensions: 107 × 71 cm (≈ 42.1" × 28.0")

Origin: Baluch weaving, Greater Khorasan / Western Afghanistan borderlands

Date: Vintage, c. 1970s–1980s

Materials: Hand-spun wool pile on wool warp & weft; kilim end finishes

Knotting: Hand-knotted, asymmetrical structure; approx. 80–95 KPSI (≈ 12×7–8 per in²)

Pile height: Low-medium, ~4–6 mm; supple handle

Design: Double-mihrab prayer layout with tree-of-life stems, rosette field, hooked guards

Colors: Brick/madder red, navy, camel, ivory, saffron, emerald accents

Condition: Very good vintage—even pile with light age sheen; original kilim ends and braided fringe present; minor waviness and an isolated tiny age speck visible on the inner field (see close-ups); no structural repairs, professionally cleaned and ready to use

Time to weave: For this size & density, 4–6 weeks of skilled work by an experienced weaver

Why this piece is special

Authentic Baluch tribal craftsmanship with a rarer twin-niche composition

Symbolic tree-of-life and protective ram’s-horn/bird brackets resonate with blessings and longevity

All-wool construction for durability, warmth, and a beautiful matte sheen

Versatile small format—ideal as an entry rug, meditation/prayer mat, bedside accent, or wall art

Care Instructions

Vacuum gently with suction only (no beater bar); vacuum the back occasionally.

Rotate every 3–6 months for even wear and fade.

Blot spills immediately; spot clean with a small amount of wool-safe detergent.

Use a quality rug pad to prevent slipping and reduce wear.

Avoid prolonged direct sunlight; if displayed on a wall, keep away from strong UV.

For deep cleaning, use a professional hand-washed rug service.

Bring home a meaningful textile from the Baluch tradition—rich in symbolism, hand-crafted in pure wool, and sized perfectly for modern living. This double-mihrab gem will add warmth, story, and soul to any space.