Semi-antique Baluch Shaffi kilim from Afghanistan. 352x172 cms

A lively example of a 1940-50s Shaffi kilim from Afghanistan, woven by the Serkhat Baluch (Border Baluch) tribal groups living near the Sistan Desert.

The design complexity is achieved through delicate linear motifs—predominantly in white—woven across a horizontally banded field, creating a subtle tartan-like effect. The borders echo these same motifs in a vertical arrangement, framing the composition with striking balance and refinement.

The colour palette is of a deep red, with an indigo blue colour throughout the weaving. The irregular layout, including a vertical border of small-scale motifs, suggests its original function as a shaffi kilim, traditionally used to cover bedding.

Thick and durable in structure, this kilim is ideal for high-traffic areas such as hallways, corridors, or kitchens.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep’s wool
Size: 352×172 cm
Origin: Serkhat Baluch tribe, Sistan area, Afghanistan
Date of weaving: 1940-50s

Shaffi Kilims

The western regions of Baluchistan — stretching through the Chagai province of Pakistan towards Kandahar and the fringes of the Sind Desert — have long been renowned for producing some of the finest nomadic flatweaves. Shaffi kilims are especially prized for their subtle sophistication and finely woven structure.

The shaffi are easily recognizable by their very finely woven borders of white wool with rows of tiny motifs running into the plainweave bands of the field.

Their colour palette ranges from luminous to earthy tones, traditionally achieved using natural dyes such as madder root reds and warm orange hues created by overdyeing madder with preparations made from pomegranate skins or yoghurt. The finest examples were traditionally used as covers for bedding and clothing stacked at the back of nomadic tents.

Shaffi kilims are easily recognised by their finely woven white borders, featuring rows of tiny motifs that extend gracefully into the plainweave bands of the field — a hallmark of their distinctive craftsmanship and tribal identity.