Vintage Chaghcharam Baluch from Afghanistan. 217x152 cms

Delicately Drawn Vintage Chaghcharam Baluch Felt from Afghanistan

This charming Vintage Chaghcharam Baluch felt from Afghanistan features a beautifully delicate design. The composition is divided into two mirrored sections, creating a balanced and harmonious visual effect.

Each of the two floral motifs is set within a circular frame, itself enclosed by triangular shapes. The outer border is intentionally left unadorned and crafted from undyed wool, offering a pleasing contrast to the colourful, patterned centre and enhancing the overall refinement of the piece.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool

Size:  217×152 cms

Origin: Chaghcharam Baluch, Afghanistan

Date of weaving: 1970s

Felt (Mid. and New. Pers., namad), material produced by process of felting, the entanglement of animal fiber in all directions, appropriately done to form a soft and homogeneous mass. The technique was originally devised in nomadic communities of Central Asia, spreading toward China and the Greek world well before the 3rd century B.C.E., but for a long time confined to the Asian continent.

The method of felt-making, rather simple and uniform, constitutes the basis for a large number of products currently in use. As is often the case, the banality of the phenomenon have contributed to leading researchers astray; the techniques, usages, and aesthetics of felt appear, therefore, to be relatively unknown, particularly in comparison to those of what is perceived as the more “noble” craft of weaving.

Production. The main primary substances used in the production of felt are camel and sheep wool (preferably that of autumn, the second shearing season, and of lamb wool, which are finer), goat’s underhair taken from the animal by combing, which produces felt of a higher quality.

Most felts are made out of white, beige, brown, gray, or black natural wool. In addition, some types of light-colored felts can be more or less highly decorated. Several methods, applied at different stages of production, are available: before soaking, tufts of wool dyed in advance can be applied to achieve the desired motifs; before the felt has dried, designs can be made with dye; after drying the felt can be embroidered, decoratively cut, or embossed

Felt is produced to some extent everywhere, either within the household—a situation prevalent in rural areas, where men and women work together, generally under the direction of women—or in the context of exercising a craft: professional felt-makers, generally men, are grouped together in specialized neighborhoods or bāzārs, Their activity is often seasonal, and they may move from one town to another.