The necessities of life, especially those connected to the climate and geography of an area, not only impact the traditions of that area but also the handicraft and its history. In the vast state of Sistan & Baluchistan, like a few other states of Iran, using camels for travel and transport of goods stems from the hot and dry climate of that region. And, therefore, the camel clothing (or covering) industry is specific to the people of Sistan & Baluchistan, who are skilled in making this craft.
As we mentioned, using camels for moving loads and other daily tasks is an integral part of the life of the nomads and villagers of Sistan and Baluchistan. Making camel clothes for the comfort of this animal in carrying loads and placing more loads on the humps of camels is an idea and a method used by the hardworking people of that area. They even consider this craft a holy tradition. Needless to add that the simplicity of its preparation and the abundant use of camel clothing has helped in expanding this industry. The low cost of preparing such a cover is one of the other reasons why camel cloth weaving has become more popular. It is not without reason that the skill of making camel clothes is registered in the list of intangible heritage of the country.
Camel clothing is a oval shaped covering put on the camel’s back. It is made of wood, cloth, straw, and rope. The wooden board obtained from local trees (mulberry, walnut, and willow trees) is the main part of this cover. The wood used in making it is called “baski”. In this way the cameleers and the camel owners put their load in the wooden basket and tie it on the camel’s back or waist. The warped cloth that the women of Sistan & Baluchistan weave artistically, is tied to the basket to prevent the camel’s clothing to move toward the camel’s neck. The same women fill a cloth (woven from goat hair) with straw and sew it with special needles. With the help of a rope to which this camel’s clothing is tied and passed under its chest, this tool stays stable and thus the journey of the camel and its loads begins.
This is how this simple craft, but widely used, and a necessity, makes life easy and helps the people solve part of their life’s hardships. This is how camel’s clothing has become part of the people’s life since long back, upto now.
It is good to note that Sistan & Baluchistan is first in the country regarding number of camels, and camel breeding is an essential part of the life of the nomads and villagers in that area of our country. That area’s warm and dry climate makes the ground more suitable for camel breeding than anywhere else. Therefore, any industry related to camel breeding is worthy of being supported by the country’s officials. The camels of Sistan & Baluchistan are famous as “the wealth in the heart of the desert”. This description is due to the ability to breed camels, and industries related to camel breeding has originated from the nomadic lifestyle.
