4’1” x 2’11” Vintage Baluch Rug | Tree-of-Life Mihrab, Camel-ground, Hand-Knotted Wool (125 x 90 cm)

Collected from the Baluch weaving tradition of the Afghanistan–Khorasan region, this compact prayer rug shows the classic stepped mihrab niche filled with slim “tree-of-life” shrubs, framed by multiple red/indigo tribal borders. The camel-colored ground, saturated madder reds and deep indigo, and the tidy square repeat of shrub/boteh forms are all textbook Baluch village work—hand-spun wool pile on a dark wool foundation, made for home devotion and daily use.


This is a genuine Baluch prayer rug woven by village/family weavers along the Afghanistan–Khorasan cultural belt. The layout centers on a stepped mihrab (prayer niche) that rises from a rectangular base into the field. Within the niche run vertical shrub and boteh chains—a regional “tree-of-life” convention that symbolizes growth, blessing, and continuity.
The borders are a Baluch hallmark: multiple narrow guard stripes enclosing a deep red main border with serrated diamonds and latch-hook motifs. Color is honest and traditional—camel-tan field, madder red, indigo/navy, walnut brown, and small accents of brick and umber. The wool pile shows a soft, satiny sheen; the back reveals tightly packed rows with dark wool warps and wefts typical of Baluch pieces.
Judging by the natural abrash (tone shifts in red/navy), the tight village handle, and the slightly mellowed palette, the rug dates to late 20th century (circa 1975–1990). It was woven for practical use, not mass production—each line of shrubs varies just enough to announce the weaver’s hand.

Authentication answers (from the photos)


Weaving tradition: Baluch village/tribal work (Afghanistan–Khorasan sphere).


Knot structure: Predominantly asymmetrical (Senneh) knots open to one side—typical for Baluch; the back view and supple handle are consistent with this.


Regional origin: Eastern Baluch groups near the Afghan–Khorasan border (camel ground + tree columns + stepped mihrab + multi-stripe borders).


Age: Vintage, ~35–50 years old.


Maker’s marks: No signature; regional tells include the stepped-niche silhouette, shrub chains, madder/indigo palette, and narrow Baluch border system.


Pile height & density: Low-medium pile (~4–6 mm); estimated ~90–110 KPSI (about 140–170k knots/m²)—a tidy village weave.


Materials: Hand-spun wool pile on wool warps & wefts (dark brown/black); natural and early synthetic dyes typical for the period (madder red and indigo dominate; camel ground appears undyed or minimally dyed wool).



Motifs & naqsha (design theory)


Mihrab (prayer niche): devotional orientation and a visual “gateway.”


Tree/shrub columns & boteh: blessings, renewal, and protection of the household.


Latch-hooks & serrations in borders: apotropaic (protective) elements warding off the evil eye.


Multi-stripe border architecture: a Baluch signature that echoes the vertical rhythm of the field.



Features


Type: Hand-knotted Baluch prayer rug


Size: 125 cm x 90 cm (approx. 4’1” x 2’11”)


Pile: Hand-spun sheep’s wool


Foundation: Wool warps & wefts (dark)


Knotting: Asymmetrical (Senneh) knots, ~90–110 KPSI (est.)


Pile height: ~4–6 mm (low-medium)


Age: c. 1975–1990 (vintage)


Colors: Camel/tan ground, madder red, indigo/navy, walnut, brick accents


Origin: Baluch weaving, Afghanistan–Khorasan region


Construction time (est.): 6–9 weeks of family-workshop weaving for a single weaver at this fineness


Condition (honest):
Good vintage. Even, low-medium pile with light age mellowing, tiny edge nicks and minor end wear consistent with age; fringes intact with some pinkish finishing yarns visible. No holes; lies flat; clean and ready to use.


Authentic Baluch mihrab with elegant tree-of-life repeat


Rich camel-ground palette—warms rooms instantly


Compact prayer/entry size perfect for foyers, kitchen runners, bedside, reading corners


All-wool on wool for a soft, pliable hand and traditional drape


Vintage character with durable village construction



Care Instructions


Vacuum lightly with suction only (no beater bar).


Rotate quarterly for even wear and sun exposure.


Address spills quickly: blot (don’t rub) with a dry cloth, then a little cool water if needed.


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


Optional: a natural-rubber felt pad to reduce movement and extend life.



Styling tips
This piece shines in boho, rustic, Americana, Japandi-warm, and eclectic vintage interiors. The camel field and indigo/red accents pair beautifully with natural wood, leather, linen, and blackened metal. Ideal by a bedside, entry, kitchen sink, or reading nook—and powerful as a contemplative prayer space rug.



Ready to welcome a soulful vintage into your home?
This Baluch prayer rug carries quiet devotion, protective motifs, and the warmth of hand-spun wool. If you love its camel-ground glow and tree-of-life rhythm, add it to cart now—authentic pieces in this condition and size are getting harder to find.