Vintage Baluch Tribal Rug 145 x 86 cm (4.8 x 2.8 ft) | Hand-Knotted Wool Brown Camel Mihrab Design Carpet

This richly toned tribal rug is a classic example of Baluch village weaving from the Afghan border region. Woven in natural browns, camel and dark chocolate with accents of indigo blue and madder red, it has a beautiful stepped “mihrab” layout that feels both architectural and organic. At 145 x 86 cm (about 4.8 x 2.8 ft), it’s a versatile size for an entry, bedroom, office or layered boho living room.

Hand-knotted in soft, local wool on an all-wool foundation, the rug has a supple handle, subtle abrash (natural colour variation) and the kind of mellow vintage patina that only time can create. This is an honest, old tribal piece – not a machine-made reproduction.


Weaving tradition, knotting & structure

The earth-tone palette, wool foundation, and linear panelled design point clearly to the Baluch tribal tradition of western Afghanistan and adjacent regions.

Close-ups of the back show tight rows with a slightly diagonal grain consistent with asymmetrical (Senneh-type) knots on depressed wool warps.

The handle is soft and flexible, typical of Baluch all-wool construction meant to be used in tented or village homes.

Age, materials & condition

Colours are softly muted rather than bright, with visible abrash in the browns and camel tones, and pile worn down evenly to a low–medium height (~4–6 mm).

Fringes are partially worn but original; selvages are intact with some rounding at the corners, indicating real use but good care.

These characteristics suggest a mid-20th-century date, roughly 1960s–1970s.

Pile & foundation: hand-spun wool pile on wool warps and wefts; dyes appear to be a mix of traditional natural browns and good-quality early synthetics in the reds and blues.

Condition: Good vintage – even, low/medium pile with no major holes or visible repairs, ready for everyday use.

Motifs, naqsha & symbolism

The field is arranged as a stepped series of horizontal camel-coloured panels, creating a rectangular mihrab or prayer-niche effect leading the eye inward.

Each camel panel holds hooked diamond chains and small latch-hook motifs. In Baluch symbolism these often reference protection, continuity of life, and the tree-of-life growing upward.

Separating the panels are dark brown bands filled with eight-pointed star-guls in red and deep blue, with tiny white centres – classic tribal symbols of guidance and cosmic order, also giving strong visual rhythm.

The main border repeats these star forms on a dark ground, creating a protective frame around the inner “sanctuary” of the design.

Narrow guard stripes with tiny diamonds and zigzags act as an extra amuletic boundary that “locks” the composition.

Design theory (naqsha)

Rather than a single medallion, this rug uses a receding rectangle / multiple-panel layout, a format associated with prayer and contemplation spaces but also used simply as a powerful graphic device.

The gradation of brown tones from the centre outwards, combined with the stepped structure, gives the rug depth and a calm, grounded presence – ideal for interiors seeking warmth without loud colour.

Technical estimates

Size: 145 x 86 cm (approx. 4.8 x 2.8 ft)

Knot density: estimated 70–90 knots per square inch (about 110–140 kpsi metric) – a solid tribal weave with clear motifs.

Knot count & time: At this size and density, the rug contains roughly 200,000+ individual knots, representing around 3–4 weeks of full-time weaving for an experienced Baluch weaver, plus time for wool preparation, dyeing and finishing.

Features:

Origin: Baluch tribal weaving, western Afghanistan region

Type: Hand-knotted wool tribal rug

Size: 145 x 86 cm (4.8 x 2.8 ft)

Pile: 100% wool, low–medium (~4–6 mm)

Foundation: Wool warps & wool wefts

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

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

Age: Vintage, c. 1960s–1970s

Condition: Good vintage – even wear to low/medium pile, original fringes with some age-related loss, no major repairs or structural damage

Colours: Dark brown, camel, chocolate, ivory, indigo blue, madder red, small white highlights

Design: Stepped panel / mihrab layout with hooked diamond chains and star-gul borders

Weaving time (est.): 3–4 weeks of full-time hand-weaving

Authentic Baluch tribal rug with classic earth-tone palette

Mid-size 145 x 86 cm – perfect for entryways, bedside, office, or layered over a larger neutral rug

Hand-knotted wool on wool construction for warmth and durability

Beautiful stepped mihrab design with hooked diamonds and star-gul motifs

Subtle abrash and soft vintage patina that only older, naturally aged rugs possess

Flexible handle – suitable for floor use or as a dramatic wall hanging

One-of-a-kind vintage textile; not mass-produced or machine-made

Care Instructions

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

Vacuum gently with a suction-only attachment, following the direction of the pile; avoid beater bars and rotating brushes.

Rotate every few months to promote even wear and fading, especially if placed in a sunny area.

Clean spills promptly: blot, don’t rub, using a dry, absorbent cloth. For tougher spots, use a wool-safe mild detergent diluted in cool water and test first on a small, hidden area.

Do not machine wash, tumble dry, or steam clean.

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


This vintage Baluch rug is for someone who loves quiet, earthy elegance and real tribal character. Its layered browns, star borders and stepped design create a calm focus point in any room, while the wool-on-wool construction keeps it warm and inviting underfoot.

If you feel drawn to the depth and subtlety of this piece, add it to your cart before it’s gone – there is only one, and rugs with this kind of honest age and soul are becoming harder to find. I’m happy to send additional close-up photos or a short video in natural light if you’d like to see more detail.