Vintage Tribal Rug – Madder Red Wool Mihrab, Amulet Design

A characterful vintage Baluch prayer rug from northern Afghanistan, woven on a nomadic wool foundation with a deeply saturated madder-red field and a stepped mihrab (prayer niche). Within the niche sit amulet-like ashik/gul medallions and hooked leaf devices, framed by multiple guards of running-dog and diamond rosettes. Compact, graphic, and warm—ideal as a wall hanging, entry accent, or study piece for collectors of tribal weavings.


Weaving tradition & structure.

Tribe/region: Afghan Baluch with clear Ersari/Beshir influence (stepped niche, ashik medallions, lattice spandrels, dark brown outlines).

Knotting: asymmetrical (Senneh-type), open to the left, typical for Baluch groups in NW Afghanistan.

Foundation: wool warps and wefts; two weft shots between rows; dark/brown wefts visible on the back.

Construction: hand-knotted pile; selvedges overcast in dark wool.

Palette & dyes.
Traditional Baluch tones: madder red, coal brown, camel/tan, ivory, and touches of olive/green and amber. The harmony and slight shade variegation (abrash) suggest small-batch, village dyeing.

Motifs & symbolism.

Mihrab with stepped apex and hanging-lamp feel—classic prayer format.

Rows of ashik/amulet guls inside the niche (protective talismans).

Ram’s-horn and hooked leaf devices for strength and prosperity.

Cross-hatched lattice filling the spandrels (order/fertility).

Borders: inner and outer running-dog meanders, diamond rosettes, and tiny quincunx dots—tribal guards that “contain” blessing and ward off the evil eye.

Age & condition.

Estimated late 1970s–1980s (≈40–50 years) based on palette, wool handle, even, low-medium pile and gentle oxidation in the dark browns.

Condition: good vintage. Even, low-medium pile with scattered age fade/abrash; minor end-loss/fringe wear, light corner rounding, and small old tidy edge touch-ups—nothing structural. Recently dusted; ready to use.

Handle, pile & density.

Pile height: ~5–7 mm (low-medium, supple tribal handle).

Density: visually ~90–110 KPSI (≈14–17 knots/cm²).

Time to weave: roughly 4–6 weeks for a single skilled weaver at this size/density.

Materials.

Pile: hand-spun sheep’s wool (soft, slightly lustrous).

Warp/Weft: undyed/dark wool on wool.

Dyes: traditional natural/synthetic-assisted village palette typical of the period; stable and well-aged.

Distinctive regional characteristics.

Stepped niche with Beshir-style lattice spandrels.

Ashik medallions in a vertical prayer layout.

Multi-guard border stack with Baluch running-dog meanders.

Features:

Overall size: 111 × 81 cm (3.64 × 2.66 ft)

Weave: hand-knotted, asymmetrical open-left

Foundation / Pile: wool / wool

Knot density (est.): ~90–110 KPSI (14–17 knots/cm²)

Pile height (est.): ~5–7 mm

Origin: Northern Afghanistan, Baluch weaving areas

Age: c. 1975–1990 (vintage)

Condition: good vintage; minor end/fringe wear, light edge rubs, clean and structurally sound

Authentic Baluch prayer format with stepped mihrab

Beautiful madder-red field with talismanic ashik/gul medallions

Versatile small format for wall display, entry, or layering

Wool on wool construction for warmth, drape, and durability

Rich tribal borders; attractive abrash adding depth and character

Care Instructions

Vacuum lightly (no beater bar).

Rotate seasonally to even wear and sun exposure.

Blot spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth; avoid soaking.

Use a natural-fiber underlay on hard floors.

Professional hand-wash only when needed; avoid dry cleaners and steam.

Style & Placement

Perfect for entryways, bedside, reading nooks, studios, and wall hanging. Complements bohemian, rustic, wabi-sabi, eclectic, Japandi, and modern neutral interiors with its warm red ground and graphic tribal geometry.


This is a true vintage tribal weaving—portable art with spiritual symbolism, hand-knotted in wool and mellowed beautifully with time. If you’d like, I can include a hanging sleeve or provide a no-slip pad cut to size. Add it to your cart with confidence—authenticity guaranteed.