c1910s ANTIQUE TRIBAL PERSIAN BALUCH RUG 1.8x1.10

The province of BALUCHESTAN, where the tribes who make the distinctive BALUCH rug have lived over the centuries, borders Kerman to the east and south. Two important cities in this province are Zabol and Zahedan. Here, Turkish tribes live in black tents and tend their flocks just as they did a over a hundred years ago. This area is very simplistic as it is free from commerce and any modern conveniences. The rugs that they spend several months making are used like a savings in which they are traded only when the bare essentials are needed. The rugs and carpets are also used for warmth within the tribes' tents. The migratory lifestyle of the people is largely unaffected by civilization and they are unaware of the commercial markets around the world into which their artifacts are ultimately absorbed and prized as art. The rugs from this region are woven by women on horizontal looms. Camel wool is widely used as a background color in the making of many Baluch pile rugs. A broadside finish is a characteristic of finer Baluchi weaving styles, reinforced by 3 or 4 strong goat hair cables. The most prevalent feature of Baluch carpets is a pattern formed by the repetition of highly stylized camel's foot- or pear-shaped medallions surrounded on all sides by geometric borders. The result is a detailed, geometric design that largely takes after the Turkmen style , especially in the use of the "Gul" motif. In addition to the Gul motif, Baluch rugs feature the tree of life design, a prayer rug design, or an all-over design. Baluch rugs are of excellent quality. They last for many years. They are usually smaller in size ranging from (2x3 to 4x6 feet). Larger sizes do exist, but are hard to find. Finished rugs are nearly square. Dark reds or blues are contrasted with splashes of whites, yellows, ivories, and oranges. Baluch rugs from Iran have white cotton or grey wool foundations. Goat hair is also a common warp material in many Baluch rugs. BALUCH rugs are made of a soft wool, are loosely woven, and are colored with corrosive black/brown dyes. Weavers from Baluch use only the asymmetrical Persian knot. Knots tend to be small and tightly packed down. Baluch rugs are in great demand due to their attractive nature and the practical uses that they bear.