Vintage Baluch Tribal Rug – Hand-Knotted Wool, Lattice Diamonds – 137 × 95 cm (≈ 4'6" × 3'1")

This handsome small-format tribal rug was woven by Baluch weavers of the greater Khorasan/Baluchistan cultural belt (today straddling NE Afghanistan and W. Pakistan). Its glowing madder-red field set with a continuous lattice of diamond guls and the earthy camel and ink-blue borders are classic hallmarks of the Baluch tradition—portable, tough, and richly patterned for tent and village life. It’s an authentic, hand-knotted piece with wonderful age character and an inviting, soft wool handle.


Baluch rugs are prized for their moody palettes, compact formats, and geometric drawing. Here the entire field is a diagonal trellis of hooked diamond guls (tiny protective emblems) each nested with a dark indigo lozenge and peppered with warm saffron dots. The outer guard features a running “S” meander—a continuous serpent/energy motif widely used by nomadic groups as a ward against the evil eye. Alternating small dotted guards and a panel of camel-brown with latch-hook devices frame the composition.

Construction details visible on the reverse show tight, asymmetric (open-to-one-side) knots over wool warps and wefts—a textbook Baluch build that produces a supple yet durable handle. The wool pile is lustrous and resilient, likely highland sheep wool, dyed with traditional madder red, indigo blue, camel/tan brown, and small accents of ivory and saffron. Subtle abrash (natural tone shifts) testifies to small-batch, hand-dyed yarns.

Based on the palette, drawing, and even, honest surface wear, this piece dates to the mid-20th century (c. 1960s–1970s). It was woven as a practical floor piece—compact enough for a doorway, hearth, reading nook or layered under a coffee table.

Features:

Origin / Tradition: Baluch tribal weaving, greater Khorasan–Baluchistan region (NE Afghanistan / W. Pakistan)

Date: ca. 1960–1975

Size: 137 × 95 cm (≈ 4'6" × 3'1")

Weave: Hand-knotted; asymmetric knots on wool foundation (warps & wefts)

Knot density (est.): ~80–100 KPSI (≈ 125–155,000 knots/m²)

Pile: Hand-spun wool, short-to-medium height ~5–6 mm

Colors / Dyes: Madder red field, deep indigo, camel/tobacco, ivory; traditional natural/low-impact dyes with mild abrash

Design (naqsha): Allover diagonal gul lattice; protective running-S/wave border with dotted guards and latch-hook motifs

Condition: Good, vintage. Even age-consistent pile with a mellowed panel of wear in the center field (visible in photos), original side cords intact, ends secured with minimal fringe loss; no structural issues or large repairs.

Time to weave (est.): 4–6 weeks of loom time for one weaver

Authentic Baluch tribal character—earthy palette, graphic drawing

Compact size perfect for entry, kitchen, office, or layered interiors

Durable wool on wool construction with supple handle

Lovely abrash and vintage patina—one-of-a-kind

Ethnographic motifs with protective symbolism

Care instructions (easy & practical)

Vacuum with suction only (no beater bar).

Rotate quarterly for even wear and sun fade.

Blot spills immediately with a dry, absorbent cloth; for spot cleaning use cool water with a tiny drop of mild wool soap, then blot dry.

For deep cleaning, use a rug specialist experienced with hand-knotted wool.

A good natural-rubber rug pad is recommended to prevent slippage and extend life.


If you connect with the deep, lived-in soul of tribal textiles, this Baluch beauty will bring warmth and story to your space for decades. Add to cart with confidence—professionally vetted, accurately photographed, and ready to ship.