Monday, January 14, 2008

Baluch rugs

Baluch rugs are hand woven tribal wool rugs highly influenced by the Gul motif in the Turkmen style in dramatic shades of reds and blues.
Baluch wool rugs are made by tribes living in the Province of Baluchestan, which borders Kerman to the east and south. Time appears to have stood still here and nothing seems to have changed in over one hundred years. Living in tents without any modern conveniences, the tribesmen tend to their flocks without any concerns or knowledge of the modern world.
The wool rugs are woven for practical uses in their tents, primarily for warmth in addition to being used as a form of currency. Skilled artisans weave the wool rugs, often taking months to complete a single rug. Baluch wool rugs are woven by women on horizontal looms, exclusively using the asymmetrical Persian knot.
Baluch wool rugs are easily recognized by a particular design formed by the repetition of highly a stylized camel's foot or pear-shaped medallions surrounded on all sides by geometric borders. This highly intricate and geometric design is greatly influenced by the Gul motif in the Turkmen style. Although the word gul literally means flower in Farsi, in this case it refers to the octagonal or angular repetitive medallions found on Turkoman wool rugs. Blue and red are the dominant colors with white, ivory, yellow, and orange providing the contrast. In addition to the Gul motif, Baluch wool rugs feature the tree of life design, prayer rug design, or an all-over design.
Baluch wool rugs have white cotton or grey wool foundations. Goat hair is also a commonly used warp material and camel wool is widely used on Baluch wool rugs as a background color.
They are most commonly available in 2’ x 3’ to 4’ x 6’ sizes, although larger rugs do exist.
These magnificent tribal wool rugs will add warmth and beauty to your home and are in some cases small enough to use as throws.

No comments: