$600.00
This vintage Baluch tribal prayer rug (approx. 113 × 79 cm / 3.7 × 2.6 ft) is a soulful handwoven textile created by nomadic artisans of the Baluch tribes of western Afghanistan. Woven entirely by hand on a traditional loom, it displays a mosque and minaret design—a deeply spiritual pattern used by Baluch weavers for generations to express faith and identity.
The upper section features a symbolic mosque façade with minarets and domes rendered in bold geometry, reflecting a stylized architectural vision inspired by sacred structures. Below the mihrab, the field hosts alternating rows of abstract palm or tree motifs, representing life, endurance, and spiritual rootedness. The earthy red-orange field is balanced by walnut, ochre, and indigo accents framed within multiple borders of repeating star and cross motifs.
Its compact proportions, natural abrash (color variation), and primitive charm capture the aesthetic of authentic mid-20th-century Baluch weaving, circa 1960s–1970s. The texture and warm palette make it ideal as either a devotional piece or a collector’s textile art object.
🧶 Craftsmanship & Materials
Weaving tradition: Baluch tribal weaving, Afghanistan region
Knot structure: Turkish (Ghiordes) symmetrical knots
Construction: Hand-knotted, wool pile on wool foundation
Materials: 100% hand-spun local wool, vegetable and early natural dyes
Dyes: Madder red, walnut brown, indigo blue, and camel tan
Pile: Medium pile (~7 mm), even and soft underfoot
Knot density: 80–100 KPSI (knots per square inch)
Handle: Soft, flexible, and organic, typical of Baluch nomadic weaving
Time to weave: Approximately 2–3 months
🌿 Design & Symbolism
Mosque & Minaret motif: Represents a spiritual sanctuary and directional focus for prayer.
Mihrab-shaped upper field: Symbolizes the gateway between the earthly and the divine.
Tree/palm motifs: Symbolic of life, growth, and divine connection.
Star borders: Protective and unifying, reflecting the night sky over nomadic desert landscapes.
Color palette: Warm terracotta field balanced with camel, walnut, and blue accents for harmony and visual rhythm.
This layout reflects the Baluch “Architectural Prayer” naqsha, a design category rare among tribal weavings and often linked to devotional or dowry use.
✨ Features
Size: 113 cm × 79 cm (3.7 × 2.6 ft)
Origin: Baluch tribal regions, Afghanistan
Age: Vintage (1960s–1970s)
Foundation: Wool on wool
Pile height: Medium (approx. 7 mm)
Knot structure: Turkish (Ghiordes)
Knot density: ~80–100 KPSI
Condition: Very good vintage — gentle age wear, full pile, minor abrash, clean and ready to use. No repairs or structural damage observed.
Authentic hand-knotted Baluch prayer rug
Distinct mosque and minaret architecture motif
Naturally dyed wool in warm, earthy tones
Dense, soft pile with durable wool foundation
Ideal for bohemian, spiritual, or traditional interiors
Compact and lightweight—suitable as a floor accent or wall hanging
🧺 Care Instructions
Vacuum lightly using suction only (no beater bar). Rotate periodically for even wear. Blot spills with a clean, damp cloth and mild wool soap. Avoid direct sunlight to preserve color vibrancy. Professional wool rug cleaning is recommended every few years.
🏡 Styling Suggestions
This intimate piece radiates warmth and cultural depth. Use it in a reading corner, meditation space, or entryway, or hang it as textile wall art to highlight its spiritual architectural motif. Its colors pair beautifully with earthy, neutral, or rustic decor themes.
This rug embodies the harmony of devotion and design—a Baluch artisan’s handwoven prayer of color and geometry. Whether used as a small floor rug, wall display, or collector’s piece, it stands as a timeless work of tribal artistry rooted in faith and craftsmanship.
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