Rug from the Belloutche tribe, 108 x 240 cm, late 19th.
Baloutch tribe Iran, Machad regionBODY OF WORKThe Baloutche rug is recognizable by its dark colours and elogated shape.Torbat-é-Haidareih is a town of about inhabitants, located at meters altitude.The best Baloutche or Belouj rugs are found in the surrounding villages, like this piece, which has woven kilim trim and 'S' repeated in the borders.Its design is very simple and the colours are rare. The box is covered in three rows of stylised flowers in light colours, which alternate with the same designs in a more subtle red. The main border is very wide, consisting of large floral designs connected by double hooked bands. The Baloutche production will most likely be reevaluated for its contribution to the collection of rugs; Nevertheless, it represents one of the richest veins of traditional weaving.THE TRIBEThe Baloutche tribes are very unevenly spread out across three countries: Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, where Baloutchistan itself is located; 70% of them live there.The Baloutche people remain very attached to their traditions; the men still wear the turban, while the women dress in brightly coloured costumes, decorated with jewellery. Contrary to their Persian neighbours, the Baloutche people practice a Sunni variant that allows them to keep numerous specific beliefs and local religions. Like the numerous Iranian tribes, the Baloutche people more often live in tents than in yurts.The Baloutche people formerly lived more to the West, in Iran, south of the Caspian sea, according to the work of the 11th century Persian poet, Firdousi. Sellers and collectors admit that the designation, 'Baloutche' is incorrect for many pieces, which are often the work of neighbouring tribes, but it's remarkable that centuries of improvisations have not dissolved the links between certain Baloutche designs and those of native Iranian tribes. Read More