Vintage Afghan Rug: Hand-Knotted Wool, Indigo & Rust Medallion, Boho Tribal Decor

Why you’ll love it:
Hand-knotted by Baluch tribal weavers from the borderlands of western Afghanistan, this richly colored vintage rug features layered latch-hook medallions on a midnight-indigo ground with rust, brick, and teal accents. It’s a compact “small area” size that brings authentic nomadic character to an entry, office, reading nook, or under a coffee table.

Description & Scholarly Notes

Visual analysis & attribution

The deep indigo field, brick/rust palette with teal green highlights, and the stacked diamond/latch-hook medallions framed by narrow “running-dog” and stepped guard borders are hallmarks of Baluch (Baloch) tribal weaving, likely from a Timuri-influenced group in western Afghanistan/northeast border region.

Closeups of the back show tightly packed knots with a single weft shot and a subtle diagonal knot slant—consistent with asymmetrical (Senneh) knots open to the left, the structure most often found in Baluch pieces.

Side cords are overcast in dark wool and the handle is supple yet robust—another Baluch signature.

The wool has a soft, slightly lustrous face; the abrash (shades of indigo) is naturally dyed wool behaving as expected in village work from the mid-late 20th century.

Age
Judging from the even, gently lowered pile, soft oxidation of browns, and original short fringes, the rug dates to circa 1970s–1980s (vintage, ~45–55 years).

Motifs & cultural context

Three diamond “gül” medallions with heavy latch-hook outlines (a protective motif) anchor the field.

Scattered small rosettes, eight-pointed stars, and tiny boteh/leaf forms signify fertility, good fortune, and warding off the evil eye in Baluch symbolism.

The borders include a reciprocal running-dog/meander and saw-tooth guards that echo the hooked geometry of the center—classic nomadic design logic (naqsha) where border and field “speak the same language.”

Materials & handle

Pile: hand-spun local wool (soft, springy, with gentle sheen).

Foundation: wool warps and wefts (typical of Baluch pieces; contributes to a pliable, blanket-like handle).

Dyes: predominately natural/early synthetic village palette—deep indigo, brick/rust, teal green, ivory highlights.

Features:

Size: 180 cm x 118 cm (5’11” x 3’10”)

Weave: Hand-knotted

Knot type: Asymmetrical (Senneh) open left

Estimated knot density: ~80–100 KPSI (≈ 125–155,000 knots per m²)

Pile height: approx. 4–6 mm medium-low, even

Foundation: wool on wool; dark overcast selvages

Origin: Baluch tribal, western Afghanistan border region

Age: Vintage c. 1970s–80s

Time to weave (est.): 6–10 weeks of loom time for a two-person household loom

Condition: Very good vintage. Even, healthy pile with light age patina and minor abrash; original short fringes; edges secure. No structural issues noted—one or two tiny old surface marks consistent with age and use.

Authentic Baluch tribal artistry—geometric, protective latch-hook medallions

Rich, moody palette (indigo, rust, brick, teal, ivory) that reads warm and sophisticated

Versatile size for entryways, beside a bed, office, reading nook, or layered over larger neutrals

Durable wool on wool construction with a supple, cozy hand

Ethically sourced vintage—one of a kind

Care Instructions

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

Vacuum with suction-only (no beater bar) 1–2× monthly; vacuum the back a few times per year.

Rotate every 3–6 months for even sun exposure.

Blot spills immediately with an absorbent towel; for deeper cleaning, professional hand-washing only.

Avoid prolonged direct sunlight to preserve the natural indigo and rust hues.

Styling Ideas

This piece shines in boho, global eclectic, rustic modern, Japandi/Wabi-Sabi, or traditional cottage interiors. Pair with walnut woods, leather, linen, brass, and plants; its teal notes play beautifully with sage or bottle-green accents.


Bring home a genuine work of nomadic art.
If you’d like additional photos, a video in natural light, or a complimentary rug pad sized to this piece, just ask—I’m happy to help you make the perfect match for your space!