Balochi embroidery is considered to be one of the most ancient handicrafts that has been passed down from generation to generation. The art in it contains unfaded colours, small mirrors and intricate use of colourful threads. These embroideries are believed to have originated from the Mehrgarh civilization, dated back to 7000 BC. Mehrgarh is a large Neolithic site located on the Bolan Pass on the Kacchi Plain in Balochistan. It is also said to be the earliest Neolithic site on the Northwest Indian subcontinent. It is believed that when Mehrgarh civilization was discovered in Balochistan through excavation, the same motifs were seen on the pottery.
Balochi embroidery has distinct differences in design and varieties, indicating the relevance attached to the particular tribe, and even the yarns or fabric used in the traditional Balochi embroidery vary from place to place.
Source: Government of Balochistan/Voice of Balochistan
📷: Robert Harding
