Baluchi Woven Treasures

This book focuses on the rugs and trappings produced by the Baluchi people and neighbouring groups of nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes who live on the borders between Iran and Afghanistan. Written by Jeff W. Boucher, one of the world's leading Baluchi rug collectors, with illustrations of the best examples from his collection, this revised edition includes a new introduction by James Opie and makes this book widely available for the first time.
The weavings of the Baluchi people are distinguished by their dark palette and soft, lustrous wool, and were made for the weaver's own use and for sale to external markets. The text provides a brief survey of the history of the Baluchi together with a clear overview of their woven products. This covers the different regions where the weavers are found, as well as discussing the varieties of design, function and dye. The illustrated examples show a range of distinct types of weaving, including rugs, pillows and bags, which mostly date from the mid- to late-nineteenth century. In addition, a small number of the weavings illustrated are often described as Baluchi, though they are actually made by neighbouring ethnic groups. Each colour plate is accompanied by a detailed description that examines the design and manufacture of the weave as well as providing a technical analysis.