Baluch prayer rug

Baluch weavers are renowned for their appropriation and creative reinterpretation of motifs from both other weaving groups as well as their own. This Baluch prayer rug was woven in rural western Afghanistan and transforms a classic ‘Turkmen line border,’ named for Turkmen but perhaps the most popular Baluch border for rugs this size, into both a field and mihrab niche filler. Repeating this border design creates a new set of possibilities and spacial delineations, and one we can understand how new motifs are generated from preexisting forms. Of particular interest are the two hand panels, the right side abbreviating the hand to just four fingers.