SISTAN AND BALUCHESTAN; DREAMS ON FABRIC AND CLAY

The city of Iranshahr in Sistan and Baluchestan province of Iran is the cradle of the special Balouchi needle work.

Different types of needle work on various fabrics is done in different cities of Iran, but the special needle work of Balouch women is one of its own. An artifact even recognized by UNICEF, the final product finds its roots in the dreams and visions of the Balouch women. The symmetrical shapes are so accurate that if you use a ruler you can easily see the exact measurements which are done by years of practice and the bare eye.

These beautiful needle works are usually done with silk but on different fabrics. Many jackets and head wears are made in this way which are popular to the folk people of the province. However, it was during the 1970’s that this art was highly upgraded, when designers tried them on the special dresses of the Queen, which she wore on special occasions like Nowruz. From that time till now, people are paying more and more attention to this art. The products of the cradle of the Balouchi needle work are not just a piece of clothing, or a fabric which is worked on beautifully, but a piece of art worthy of greater attention and interest.