Khorasan Handwoven Carpet

Introducing Baloch carpets in Khorasan

In this article, we are going to introduce you to the designs, colors, and unique features of the original carpets of the Baloch people of Khorasan. Baloch tribes are scattered in different parts of Greater Khorasan, but almost the most important center of gathering and supply of their handwovens is the cities of Torbat-Haidaryeh and Torbat-Jam. In the following, we will learn more about the characteristics of these beautiful handwovens.

History of Baloch people in Khorasan

The cities of Torbat Haidarieh and Torbat Jam, which are the central and eastern cities of Khorasan province, respectively, have maintained their reputation and reputation as the largest center of weaving Baloch carpets for many years, and now, as the largest center for the production, supply and sale of Baloch carpets, they have a major share in the production They are responsible for the carpets of this province. Different Baloch clans in Khorasan moved to Khorasan during the reign of Nader Shah Afshar and settled in its various cities, including Torbat Jam and Torbat Haidriya. Apart from these two cities, a group of these clans settled in the cities of Darghs, Sarkhs, Taibad and even Mashhad. Some of the most important Baloch clans of Khorasan are: Mir Rahmani, Pari Kari, Koh Kan, Isa Zai, Zardad Khani, Salar Khani, Seyed Mohammad Khani, Chakar Zai, Shanbari and Sengcholi.

Technical characteristics of weaving in Khorasan Baluch carpets

- Weaving method and type of knot: The weaving method of one weft (a thin weft) is the most important characteristic of Balochi carpets in Khorasan. Also, the use of Persian or asymmetric knots expresses another characteristic of this type of Khorasan braids.  
- Raw materials: The use of goat hair next to the warp or shiraz of carpets is a feature of old Baloch carpets. This feature has gradually changed in the new braids that have been woven in recent years, and the use of wool instead of goat hair has increased day by day. Nevertheless, the same thing, i.e. the use of goat hair in Shiraz, is considered as one of the distinguishing aspects between the old and new Balochi weaves. Also, the use of wool skeins in old weaves has been one of its other important features, and in recent years, the use of cotton thread has partially reduced the originality of these weaves. On the other hand, in the last decade, the increase in illegal immigration of Afghans into Iran, who brought with them many designs and patterns of Afghan carpets and rugs, has caused that in many cases, these designs are mixed with the original patterns of Baloch carpets. He observed the results of this mixing in some of the new weaves of the Baluch tribes of Iran. Although it cannot be denied the accuracy and delicacy of the Afghans' weavings, which shows the skill and mastery of many of them in this field, this has caused problems in distinguishing the weavings of these two groups in some cases, and the expert opinion in some cases is doubtful. remains.  
- Dimensions of Baloch handlooms: the size of the handlooms is mostly small: from 60 to 152 cm by 90 to 280 cm; which is woven on horizontal looms in very basic conditions. Many of the old hand-woven fabrics are all wool and have Persian knots, and between each row of knots, two strands of thick and thin weft are stretched. These braids generally have a long woven rug (glimek) on both sides. Usually (except in exceptional cases) it has black or dark brown goat hair braids that are wrapped around the threads. Many of the new rugs are woven using cotton threads, and the carpet weavers have removed the colorful broad-weave on both sides of the weft. The old Baloch carpets are woven with delicate silk thread and their old designs and patterns and the harmonious colors of plants that were mostly for their own personal use.

The unique color combination of Baloch rugs

The easiest and best way to recognize a Baluchi rug in the first step is to pay attention to its color. After that, in the next step, a Baloch handwoven can be easily recognized by referring to its design. The colors used in Baloch weaves are mainly blue, red, brown and black, which are decorated with white ivory. The use of these colors gives a dark and muted appearance to the weaves, and in fact, it is this dark color combination that is characteristic of Baloch rugs. Camel-colored backgrounds are sometimes used, but mostly for prayer rugs. The Baluchs of Iran use dark blue for the background and the Aimaqs of Afghanistan prefer brown. In the new handlooms, bright colors and the use of chemical dyes have created a gap between these handlooms and the older ones. In such a way that the new weaves have very little resemblance to their old counterparts. In general, the use of dark colors, especially black, garlic lacquer, garlic brown, garlic navy, and camel are the characteristics of Baloch nomadic weaves, and about 4 and at most 5 colors can be seen in a Baloch rug.

The problem of chemical dyes in Baluch textiles of Khorasan

Of course, it can be said that factors such as the nomadic or semi-nomadic way of life, the distance and low access to civilization centers and cities, and the bad weather conditions caused the Baloch people to suffer the scourge of modern trade later than other Middle Eastern peoples. However, when around 1297, chemical dyes reached the east of Iran and attracted the Baluch weavers. As a result, Baloch weavers accepted the new colors and shared them in the dyeing of the weaves that were completely dominated by vegetable dyes. Therefore, many of the outstanding and special braids that were woven for dowry or as an offering to a great person, unfortunately have one or more new chemical colors on the face. Therefore, in the recent Baloch weaves of Khorasan, the use of low-quality chemical dyes, which causes false brightness, but has much less color stability than natural dyes, is also observed.

Other Baloch handwovens of Khorasan

In addition to weaving carpets and rugs, Baloch weavers also weave other practical items with the same technique as rugs and carpets. Here are examples of some of these beautiful and interesting handwovens:  
Khorjin: It is woven in different sizes, all of which have pockets and a bridge or braid connects them from above. On the khorjins, it is usually knotted and tufted like a carpet, and the back of all these braids is woven with flat-weave technique. All of them are woven on a horizontal loom with one pull. When using it, it is placed on the animal's body in such a way that each half covers one part of the animal's body.  
Salt shaker: It is a small container similar to a bottle with a narrow neck at the top. The main use of the saltbox is to store salt; But it is also used to store spoons and dried fruits or any other small valuable things.  
Tablecloth: Tablecloths are usually hand-woven and square, which are spread on the ground during meals. These weaves have patterns and decorations and carpet texture and in some cases they have prominent knotted edges and the best tablecloths are used only when guests are present.  
Rokursi: In the cold winter nights, Baloch people use a small table (chair) under which they place a fire brazier. This table is covered with a felt cover or a blanket. People sit around a chair and put their feet or hands under this blanket or felt to warm up. Rokersi is a square and small flat woven carpet with many decorations that is spread on a chair and on a blanket or felt. Also, they use a rocker chair to cover this table alone and when there is no fire under it or they do not need it for heating.  
Bahesh: A square bag with a woven top that is filled with cotton, fluff and bird feathers. This handwoven is used as a pillow or support.  
Pashti: It is like Bahesh, which is used as a support or back.  
Jawal: A square bag with a slot and a ring at the end for storing various materials and snacks, which can also be used as a backpack if necessary.  
Rosini: A carpet that is usually used as a rosini to decorate the horse and make the rider as comfortable as possible.  
Chente: It is a small square bag for carrying small items, many of which are usually decorated with lots of flowers and decorations such as beads, tassels, and shells.

Designs and motifs in Baloch carpets

The main and at the same time the most well-known designs of Baloch rugs that are woven mentally and are also known by the same names are:  
1- Long hat or long hat  
2- Three bricks  
3- Cow and tower  
4- Choli stone  
5- Peach blossom  
6-    Fathullah Khani  
7- Yaqub Khani  
8-    Household help  
9- Ali Akbar Khani  
10- Deer  
11- Flower fountain  
12- The judge's daughter

Weaving mental geometric patterns

Many researchers and specialists of oriental carpets believe that Baloch weavers are not the designers of their woven patterns and are only imitators and weavers of these patterns. But the examination of the handwovens of these talented weavers does not support such a claim. Some weavers undoubtedly weave imitation designs, but they usually mix it with Balochi arrays. Some designs are woven by only one Baloch weaver. Therefore, it should be said that the Baloch peoples have their original design and pattern, which is derived from their own culture and climate, on their weaves. Examples of the mentioned patterns are as follows:  
- The design of the tree of life woven by Baloch weavers is an exceptional and unique item and is different from all similar examples.  
- The role of crown or crest  
- The tree-animal design and perhaps the Baloch people, like Turkish weavers, took these designs from the primitive Turkic-speaking people living in the plains with whom they have been related since the distant past. But it is very likely that the Baloch weavers living on the shores of the Caspian Sea were the first weavers of these designs.  
- A design that includes 4 elongated hexagons and includes a shape similar to the English letter "s".  
- Peacock design that fills the background of some rugs. Other weavers also weave birds but not in this way.  
- Repetition of the pattern of the leaf and the pattern of the flower stem in the border design  
- The pattern of twisted vines with round ring flowers as the borders that are engraved on the top of the bags.  
Siyavosh Azadi in his book "Valuable Carpet Weaving in Baloch Religion" introduces Baloch motifs and designs, the summary of which is as follows: "Baloch designs are geometric and do not use revolving lines; But they may create curved lines by using short straight lines in designs. The three principles of being grid, flower-like, and repetitive (serial) are among the features of Baloch carpet designs and motifs.

Final word

Baluch handwovens of Khorasan are a valuable heritage created by the hands of an authentic Iranian tribe. The combination of cooked and garlic colors, along with simple, geometric and mental weaving patterns, are two important features of these handwoven fabrics that have made them famous. By seeing an authentic Baluch carpet, you can understand the signs of their culture and tradition.

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