Baluch Vintage Rug: Hand-Knotted Wool with Five-Gul Medallions

Why you’ll love it:
Collected from the northwest Afghan weaving belt, this evocative Baluch tribal rug features a chain of five totemic “gul” medallions framed by bird-and-talon borders in deep chocolate, indigo-navy, rust madder and camel. It’s a superb example of village workmanship—dense hand-knotted wool on a wool foundation—with the moody palette and graphic geometry that make Baluch pieces so coveted in contemporary interiors.

Visual analysis & authentication

Weaving tradition: Classic Baluch / Baluchi tribal work from the Herat–Farah corridor of western Afghanistan. The angular latch-hook geometry, stacked guls, and dark brown ground are hallmarks of this tradition.

Knot structure: The back shows slightly diagonal knot “columns” with one side of the knot more visible—consistent with asymmetrical (Senneh-type) knots, open to the left, common among Baluch weavers.

Regional origin from motifs & palette: The five octagonal gul medallions echo Turkmen influence in this borderland region, while the outer bird/chicken guard border, hooked devices, and charcoal ground point strongly to Afghan Baluch production.

Age estimate: Mid-20th century (c. 1960s–1970s). Natural oxidation on browns, gentle end wear, and the slightly mellowed reds/indigo indicate several decades of age without heavy damage.

Marks / signatures: No written signature; the bird guard border and hooked guls act as the regional “signature.”

Pile height & density: Short, resilient pile about 5–7 mm; knotting ~80–100 KPSI (approx. 125–155k knots/m²)—typical, durable tribal density.

Materials: Hand-spun wool pile on wool warps & wefts (side cords overcast in dark goat-hair–like yarn). Dyes present as vegetal/older synthetics: madder-rust, indigo-navy, walnut/camel brown, small ivory and mustard highlights.

Pattern & cultural analysis

Motifs:

Gul medallions (five): emblematic tribal crests signifying clan identity and protection.

Hooked/ram’s-horn devices: strength and prosperity.

Bird/chicken border with stepped wings: auspicious guardians and watchfulness.

Small star/rosette fillers: warding motifs for good fortune.

Naqsha / layout: A directionless, stacked-medallion field keeps the eye moving the length of the rug—ideal for corridors and layering. The dark ground sets a dramatic stage for the rust and camel motifs.

Borders: Multiple guards culminating in the bird border; inner zig-zag/fence guards echo the hooked outlines of the central guls, visually locking the composition.

Weaving signatures: Oxidized browns, thick side bindings, asymmetric knotting, and the combination of Turkmen-style guls with Baluch borders point to Herat-area Baluch.

Symbolism: Protective guls, rams’ horns, and avian guardians—traditional motifs meant to safeguard the household and livestock.

Features:

Type: Hand-knotted Afghan Baluch tribal rug

Dimensions: 195 cm x 118 cm (approx. 6’5” x 3’10”)

Knotting: Asymmetrical (Senneh-type), ~80–100 KPSI

Pile / foundation: 100% wool pile; wool warps & wefts; robust overcast side cords

Pile height: ~5–7 mm low-medium, even

Age: Vintage, c. 1960s–70s

Condition: Very good vintage—even pile with soft oxidation to dark browns, slight waviness typical of tribal looms, minor end wear and faint age patina. No significant holes, tears or stains noted in photos.

Colors: Dark chocolate, indigo-navy, rust madder, camel, ivory, touches of mustard and teal.

Authentic Baluch tribal geometry with five gul medallions

Moody, earthy palette that anchors modern spaces

Durable wool-on-wool construction—made to last

Manageable size for apartments, entryways, offices, or layering

One-of-a-kind, hand-knotted vintage artistry

Care instructions

Vacuum lightly with a suction-only setting (no beater bar).

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

Blot spills immediately; for cleaning use a small amount of cool water and neutral wool soap.

For a full wash, entrust to a professional rug cleaner experienced with hand-knotted wool.

Use a quality rug pad to prevent slipping and protect the knots and fringes.



Bring home a soulful slice of the Afghan steppe—woven by hand, rich with symbolism, and ready for another lifetime of stories. If you’d like additional photos or a video under natural light, I’m happy to help!