What is a torba used for?

Nomadic families utilised torbas as functional storage bags inside tents and yurts, often storing bedding, clothing or smaller household possessions. They formed an essential part of a bride's dowry. Over time, collectors came to prize these hanging bags for their concentrated tribal designs and precise wool work, displaying them as wall art rather than utility items.

How do I identify a suzani?

Suzanis are large, embroidered wall hangings or covers originating from Uzbekistan, recognisable by their vibrant silk needlework on cotton foundations. They often feature large floral medallions and trailing vines. Nomadic and village women stitched these panels in sections before joining them together, creating striking decorative centrepieces for domestic interiors.

What are tribal guls?

Guls are the repeating octagonal or geometric medallions arranged across Turkmen rugs and storage bags. Specific tribes such as the Tekke, Saryk and Ersari utilised distinct gul patterns. These motifs served as visual markers of tribal affiliation and heritage, passed down through generations of nomadic weavers.

How should I care for a textile?

Keep antique textiles out of direct sunlight to prevent natural dyes from fading over time. Gentle vacuuming through a mesh screen helps remove dust without damaging fragile wool or silk fibres. Mounting heavier wall hangings correctly distributes their weight evenly, protecting the structural integrity of the old foundation.