Khorjin-Bafi: Persian handicraft

Khorjin-Bafi, some sort of handwoven saddlebag, is one of the ancient handicrafts being practiced in the southwestern Iranian province of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari.  

The province is home to two of the most important tribes of Bakhtirai and Qashqayi who follow a nomadic and tribal lifestyle with their economy being based on herding.      

In the culture of nomadic life, the Khorjins have also been used as a way to bring diversity to the repetitive rhythm of seasonal migration.

Woven on looms usually by nomadic and villager women, the nomads use the Khorjins as sacks, baggage and crates to contain products like grains of wheat, oats, beans, and salt.

Nomadic shepherds use Khorjin to carry chunks or grind salt to meet the necessities of the herd.

Various motifs and patterns mostly in green, blue, dark red, yellow, and brown colors are used to weave Khorjin.

Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari has various unique traditions and rituals relative to the tribal lifestyles. Special forms of music, dance, and clothing are noteworthy.  

More stories on Persian handicrafts:

A unique tribal journey to discover another face of Iran

A glimpse into the art of Pan Bafi in Alamut

Forgotten craft of Kiseh-bafi in Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari Province

800-year-old art of Darayi-Bafi in Yazd Province: Persian handicraft

Neglected craft of Aba-bafi in western Iran

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