Baluchistan: shaded in yellowThe Baluch are a tribal group inhabiting contiguous areas of western Iran and Afghanistan known as Baluchistan. The rugs created by these nomadic people are typically of small dimension and are characteristically thin in structure. With their naively rendered designs encompassing the decorative spectrum it is thought that the Baluchi were introduced to weaving by the Turkomen confederations that passed through this arid landscape and the articles that followed were used functionally as bed covers, saddle bags and floor covers.
Over time the designs have become more stylized and rugs depicted in wildly creative animal and figure designs have become as commonplace as the angular tribal motifs originally found. Alternating tones of red and navy are typical, with ivory and green shades sometimes found. These vibrant shades along with the decorative flair seen in Baluch rugs, provides a counterpoint for the rudimentary knotting techniques, affording them versatility for everyday use.
