Antique Mushwani Baluch rug from Afghanistan. 120x87 cms

The Baloch or Baluch are an Iranian people who live mainly in the Balochistan region, located at the southeasternmost edge of the Iranian plateau, encompassing the countries of Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan. There are also Baloch diaspora communities in neighbouring regions, including in India, Turkmenistan and the Arabian Peninsula.

In Islam, a prayer mat is placed between the ground and the worshipper for cleanliness during the various positions of Islamic prayer. These involve prostration and sitting on the ground. A Muslim must perform wudu (ablution) before prayer, and must pray in a clean place.

For Muslims, when praying, a niche, representing the mihrab of a mosque, at the top of the mat must be pointed to the Islamic center for prayer, Mecca. All Muslims are required to know the qibla or direction towards Mecca from their home or where they are while traveling.

This antique prayer rug from the Mushwani Baluch tribe of Afghanistan has an interesting central field woven with a multitude of geometric patterns. On the sides of the Mihrab and ontop it, small towers have been represented, probably minarets. The wool is soft, the dyes are natural and two of the ends have been finished with elaborate kilims.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool   

Size: 120×87 cms

Origin: Mushwani Baluch tribe from Afghanistan

Date of weaving: 1930s