Vintage Baluch Rug: Tree-of-Life Mihrab, Indigo Afghan Carpet

Welcome to my rug atelier

I source honest, handmade village weavings that carry real cultural stories. This striking small prayer rug was woven by Baluch weavers of north-western Afghanistan and features a deep indigo field with a graphic mihrab (prayer niche), flanked by stylized minarets and a blossoming tree-of-life. It’s a soulful piece sized perfectly for an entry, reading nook, or to hang as wall art.


Weaving tradition & structure.
The compact handle, dark goat-hair side cords, and wool-on-wool foundation point squarely to the Baluch tribal tradition around Herat/Badghis. Back photos show tidy, offset rows with asymmetrical (open-left) knots—a hallmark of Baluch work—knotted in lustrous, high-twist local wool. The pile is medium and dense, sheared to ~6–7 mm for a plush but durable surface.

Design & symbolism.
This is a pictorial prayer layout (mihrab). Inside the arch stands a tree-of-life growing from a base vase—an ancient metaphor for renewal and the path from earth to heaven. Birds and small shrubs perch among the branches (guardianship and good fortune), while the spandrels carry repeating rosette medallions that reference a garden lattice. At the top, stepped minaret/column motifs and wavy “water of life” bands complete the sanctuary theme. Multiple narrow guard borders in Baluch latch-hook and running-dog patterns protect the central field—traditional apotropaic (protective) devices.

Palette & dyes.
The saturated indigo blue ground with brick red, emerald, teal, camel, and ivory is classic for this group. The look is rich and earthy; based on the crisp, even shades and period, I would expect a mix of natural and early synthetic dyes typical of the late 20th century village workshops.

Age & condition.
Judging by the colors, even pile, and minimal end wear, this example dates to circa 1980s–1990s. Condition is excellent vintage: pile is even with no low areas, selvedges are strong, and fringes show light age curling/shortening at spots—cosmetic only. Clean and ready for use.

Features:

Origin: Baluch weavers, NW Afghanistan (Herat region)

Weave: Hand-knotted, asymmetrical knots on wool warp & weft; goat-hair side cords

Size: 132 x 97 cm (approx. 4'4" x 3'2")

Pile height: ~6–7 mm (medium)

Knot density (est.): ~90–110 KPSI (~14–16 per sq cm) calculated from back close-ups

Materials: 100% hand-spun wool pile; wool foundation; mixed traditional dyes

Design: Mihrab prayer rug with tree-of-life, birds, rosettes, minarets; multiple guard borders

Age: c. 1980s–1990s

Condition: Excellent vintage—sound edges, straight sides, very minor age fray to fringe tips only; professionally dusted & ready to place

Authentic Baluch tribal artistry with meaningful tree-of-life symbolism

Jewel-tone indigo field that reads sophisticated in modern spaces

Compact size that’s perfect for entryways, bedside, reading corners, or as wall art

Soft, resilient village wool with a comfy medium pile

Ethically sourced, one-of-a-kind handmade piece—not machine made

Care instructions (easy & rug-safe)

Use a good rug pad to prevent slip and extend life.

Vacuum weekly on low suction, no beater bar; sweep the fringe by hand.

Rotate every 3–6 months for even wear and light exposure.

Blot spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth; spot-clean with cool water and a small amount of wool-safe soap only.

For deep cleaning, use a professional hand-wash rug service (no steam or harsh chemicals).

Keep out of prolonged direct sunlight to protect the dyes.



Bring home a meaningful, handmade artwork that was woven to align the heart and the home. If you have questions or would like additional photos or a video, I’m happy to help. ✨