Baluch

The Baluchis are a nomadic ethnic group from the area of Balochistan, a district bordering Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Baluch carpets can be made on a foundation of cotton or wool and goat or horse hair is often used in the weft. Traditionally they were made with sheep or goat wool from their own herds of the tribes, whereas modern Baluchi carpets are mostly made with cotton warps. The carpets are usually smaller in size due to their tribal origins and are woven on horizontal looms with lively geometrical patterns. Curvilinear tree of life designs and prayer carpets with a prayer niche are typical and highly sought after carpets. The classic dark red, brown or blue backgrounds are often contrasted with vivid patterns in white, ivory, yellow or orange tones. Baluch carpets are relatively thin, but tightly woven making them soft and flexible, perfectly suitable for everyday use and still today these carpets are excellent value for money. Baluch carpets from Iran are sold in the city of Mashad and known as Mashad Beluch while the Afghan Baluch carpets are sold in the city of Herat and thus known as Herat Beluch carpets.