Semi-antique Baluch kilim, Sistan, Afghanistan. 127x110 cms

Looking for a funky and unique semi-antique Afghan Baluch kilim? Look no further! This striking purple sofreh or kilim, traditionally used for baking bread, features a simple central field with striped borders at two ends, creating a contrast with the other two sides, which are adorned with thin zigzag borders.

The piece is embellished with eight mirrors, each surrounded by orange silk threads and woolen pom-poms. Additionally, cotton strips are added to two of the sides.

This kilim is sure to capture everyone’s attention.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool, mirrors, silk and cotton

Size: 127×110 cms

Origin: Serkhat Baluch tribe, Afghanistan

Date of weaving: 1940s

 

Sofrehs take their name from the Farsi (Persian) word for cloth and are used for several functions connected with preparing and eating food. Eating cloths are normally referred to simply as sofrehs and vary enormously in size-from small, rectangular mats for personal use to extremelly long, narrow runners for communal eating. They are woven in several standard techniques, including alternating bands of kilim and pile rug, and produced by a number of nomadic and tribal weavers in Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia and to a lesser degree, elsewhere.