Vintage Baluch Tribal Rug 107 x 83 cm (3.5 x 2.7 ft) | Hand-Knotted Wool Geometric Orange & Rust Accent Carpet

A richly patterned tribal rug alive with deep rusts, soft greys and golden ochres, this compact Baluch weaving was hand-knotted in the Afghan border region for real nomadic use, not factory export. At 107 x 83 cm (around 3.5 x 2.7 ft), it’s the perfect small accent – dense, warm and full of character – ideal for beside the bed, layered in a reading corner, or as a soulful wall hanging.

Every knot in this piece was tied by hand in lustrous local wool, creating a beautifully textured surface and a rhythmic repeat of star-like motifs that feel at once ancient and modern. This is a genuine vintage tribal rug with honest age, natural abrash in the colours and a wonderfully soft, broken-in handle.

Weaving tradition & origin

The structure, palette and allover layout identify this rug as part of the Baluch tribal weaving tradition from the Afghan / East West-Asian region.

Key Baluch features visible: subdued, earthy palette with strong rust and brown tones, narrow multiple borders, all-over small-scale geometric patterning, and wool foundation.

Knot structure & foundation

The back view shows compact rows of knots with slightly offset “grain,” consistent with asymmetrical (Senneh-type) knots on a depressed-warp structure.

Warps and wefts both appear to be undyed and naturally-dyed wool (no bright white cotton glint), typical of tribal Baluch pieces and adding to the supple handle.

Age & condition

Colours are nicely mellowed rather than sharply bright; there is gentle, even wear to a low/medium pile and some fraying to the fringe ends – all indicators of genuine age.

No obvious repairs or re-weaves are visible; the edges are original with only minor rubbing at corners.

Best dated to the mid–late 20th century (c. 1960s–1980s).

Condition: Good vintage – structurally sound with honest age-related patina and wear at the fringes.

Materials, pile height & density

Pile: 100% hand-spun wool, sheared to a low–medium pile (~4–6 mm) that gives a soft yet firm walking surface.

Foundation: Wool warps & wefts; this all-wool construction is characteristic of Baluch tribal weaving and adds warmth and flexibility.

Dyes: A mix of traditional natural-looking reds, browns and yellows with likely early synthetic accents. The overall effect is earthy and harmonious, not neon bright.

Knot density: visual estimate around 70–90 knots per square inch – a robust tribal weave: not coarse, but clearly hand-made.

Motifs, naqsha & symbolism

The field is a repeat of cruciform / star-flower motifs arranged in a staggered hexagonal lattice. Each “flower” has four large triangular petals filled with little square “seeds.” These are traditional Baluch symbols associated with fertility, protection and the flowering of life.

Between the larger flowers sit small diamond lattices filled with checks and crosses – classic amulet and eye motifs intended to guard the household from misfortune.

The design logic (naqsha) is allover repeat: rather than a central medallion, the whole field becomes a continuous carpet of protective symbols, ideal for small prayer or living spaces where every section of the rug is equally important.

The main border carries a chain of small rosettes on a rust ground, acting as a stylised floral garland, while inner and outer guard borders use tiny stepped motifs that visually “lock in” the interior pattern.

Distinctive regional signatures

All-wool foundation, narrow multiple borders, saturated rust/orange, charcoal grey field and the specific cruciform repeat are strong indicators of Baluch weavings from the Afghan highlands and borderlands, weaving communities historically moving between what is now Afghanistan and neighbouring regions.

Features:

Origin: Baluch tribal weaving, Afghan / East West-Asian region

Type: Hand-knotted tribal rug

Size:

Length: 107 cm (approx. 3.5 ft)

Width: 83 cm (approx. 2.7 ft)

Pile: 100% wool, low–medium height (~4–6 mm)

Foundation: Wool warps and wefts

Knot type: Asymmetrical (Senneh-type), hand-knotted

Knot density (est.): approx. 70–90 knots per sq in (≈110–140 kpsi)

Age: Vintage, c. 1960s–1980s

Condition: Good vintage – even, low/medium pile, original sides, fringes worn but present, no major repairs or holes

Colours: Rust orange, madder red, charcoal grey, golden ochre, soft brown, ivory and small white highlights

Weaving time (est.): With roughly 100,000–130,000 individual knots, this piece would represent around 2–3 weeks of full-time weaving for an experienced tribal weaver, plus extra time for wool preparation, dyeing and finishing.

Authentic Baluch tribal rug with classic allover star-flower design

Compact 107 x 83 cm size – perfect as an accent rug, bedside rug or wall hanging

Hand-knotted in soft, durable wool on an all-wool foundation

Earthy rust, grey and golden palette that works beautifully with natural woods and neutral interiors

Dense, low/medium pile that is easy to live with and comfortable underfoot

Genuine vintage piece with honest patina and subtle abrash, not a reproduction

Lightweight, flexible handle – easy to hang or layer over larger rugs

One-of-a-kind textile with centuries-old symbolic motifs for protection and abundance

Care Instructions

Use a rug pad underneath to prevent slipping and reduce wear.

Vacuum gently on low suction, ideally with a handheld or nozzle attachment; avoid beater bars and rotating brushes that can damage wool fibres.

Rotate every few months to ensure even wear and fading, especially in sunny rooms.

For spills, blot immediately with a dry, clean cloth – do not rub. If needed, spot-clean with a small amount of mild wool-safe detergent diluted in cool water, testing on an inconspicuous area first.

Avoid soaking, steam cleaning or machine washing.

For periodic deep cleaning, use a professional cleaner experienced with hand-knotted wool rugs, especially tribal pieces with wool foundations.



This vintage Baluch rug is a small but powerful piece of tribal art – packed with symbolic motifs, warm earthy colours and the tactile charm of hand-spun wool. Whether you place it by the bed, in front of a reading chair, or hang it as a textile on the wall, it will add instant soul and story to your space.

If this piece speaks to you, don’t hesitate – one-of-a-kind tribal rugs in this versatile size and authentic condition are becoming harder to find. Add it to your cart to reserve it, and feel free to message me for extra photos or a short video in natural light.