Balochistan is just as important culturally as the other provinces. Embroidered textiles and leather products are of the main crafts of Balochistan. All around Pakistan, Balochi karhai (embroidery) is in high demand. Shawls, topis (hats), vests, and a variety of outfits are made from the embroidered textiles. Balochi fashion is characterized by an embroidered triangular bag (pashk) worn in front of clothing. Leather embroidery is known as “chakkan,” and it is known for its elaborate design and beautiful color scheme.
Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest province, having a low literacy rate and a lack of infrastructure development. Balochistan’s art, crafts, culture, and architecture have evolved over ages, sovereign of the Persian Empire’s greater Islamic arts and architecture while being free of nationalistic beliefs and ideals.
Leather embroidery is commonly done on the top section of women’s and men’s shoes (Sartal), belts, handbags, shoulder bags, and a variety of other goods. The Makran area is known for its unique art.
Needle craft:
Needlework in Balochistan consists of a variety of motifs and embroidery techniques that differ by location. Craft of balochistan is noted for its unusual designs in various areas. Dera Bugti is known for its ‘Kowchik’ stitching, which has its own design that is embroidered on women’s shawls and blouses. It is well-known and well-liked throughout Pakistan
- Kalat and Khuzdar:
The areas of Kalat and Khuzdar are known for their Moshamka needlework. It entails stitching in a variety of colours. It could involve the use of mirror work. Sibbi is well-known for its “Jok” needlework, which uses fine thread in a variety of hues and tones. The “Jok” work is extremely popular throughout the country.
- Needle work on pillows, cushions:
The crafts of balochistan have a grat impact on dress and cushions. On the dress, cushions, and bed linens, there is needlework. Balochistan’s embroidered Balochi chapels are a popular tourist attraction. For those who put them on, their beauty and aesthetic value are sources of pride. Large amounts of marble stone offered the material for the manufacturing of exquisite things, so embroidered headgear, purses, and belts are also in high demand. Marble tables, ashtrays, and other decorative items add to the opulence of homes and offices. The Chaghi District of Balochistan is known for its crude marble.
Carpets and wall hangings:
Balochistan’s carpets and well-hangings are additional source of interest for visitors. Carpets are not only an important component of the setting in tribal households, but the custom has also gained traction in city homes. Balochi handicrafts contribute significantly to the country’s foreign exchange revenues. Pottery and ornaments have long been emblems of civilization’s progress, and its Balochi ornaments, particularly the silver ornaments, demonstrate the competence and artistry of artisans.
The craft of balochistan is fostered and supported by the government. It boosts foreign exchange revenues while also creating thousands of employment. Handicrafts can improve the country’s image in foreign circles because they reflect a country’s artistic character.
Rugs of balochistan:
Traditional Baloch motifs are done with straight lines in imagery and graphic rugs. In the design of classical Baloch carpets with central medallions, medallions are less prevalent than repetitive patterns of ends and curved motifs are uncommon. Crafts of Balochistan have a strong Persian and Turkish influence. The Baloch textiles, on the other hand, are more abstract. There are theological and technical grounds for this abstraction and simplification of motifs. Baloch rugs and mats are both classified as #at weaving (ikat and felts) textiles, and the limitations and restraints of freedom in #at-weaving are seen as a technical constraint.
Praying rugs of Balochistan:
The majorities of Baloch prayer carpets are rectangular and made of straw. They are made up of di “Mihrabs come in a variety of designs. Recognizing the Islamic taboo on graphic portrayals of living beings, the entire mat is covered in geometrical shapes formed by combining octagons, hexagons, and triangles, resulting in kaleidoscopic patterns “e.g. Because these motifs are tied to the arch of Mihrab, the doorway to heaven, these patterns are symbolic in nature.
On Baloch prayer rugs, the Tree of Life is the most popular motif. With its branches reaching for the sky and roots spreading into the ground, the Treeof Life, which is considered a global symbol, connects Heaven, Earth, and the Underworld. In many civilizations and cultures, trees have different symbolic meanings. A Bodhi tree was where the Buddha attained enlightenment. In Judeo-Christian mythology, the tree of heaven is the source of primordial rivers and waters the earth. It’s identical to the Tooba tree in the Quran, which produces milk, honey, and wine in heaven.
