How were tribal rugs used?

Nomadic groups utilised these textiles as floor coverings, animal trappings, bedding, and storage bags inside tents. Smaller formats served as prayer mats or meditation rugs for daily religious and personal practice. Over time, these functional objects became essential elements of interior decoration, valued for their rich colours and geometric artistry.

How do I identify a prayer rug?

Prayer rugs feature a distinctive arched mihrab at one end, which the weaver designed to direct towards Mecca during daily devotions. Many examples also include mosque lamps, double niches, or rams horn motifs inside the arch. These compositions distinguish personal devotional textiles from general floor carpets and utilitarian bag faces.

What are Turkmen guls?

Guls are repeated octagonal medallions woven into the field of Central Asian carpets and bag faces. Each tribal group, such as the Yomut, Ersari, or Tekke, utilised its own characteristic gul design. Recognising these primary motifs helps collectors attribute a textile to a specific region or nomadic confederation.

How do I care for an antique mat?

Protect antique wool and natural dye textiles by keeping them out of direct sunlight to prevent colour fading. Gentle vacuuming without a rotating brush roll helps remove embedded dust. Professional textile conservators should handle any deep cleaning or structural repairs to preserve the original pile and edges.

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Antique Asian Tribal Mat

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When you search for an antique asian tribal mat, you explore hand-knotted rugs, saddle covers, and embroideries created by nomadic groups across Central Asia.

Antique Qarqeen Afghan Turkmen Prayer Rug, Superb Condition, Circa 1920.

1900 - 1920

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Antique Qarqeen Afghan Turkmen Prayer Rug, Superb Condition, Circa 1920.

From Cotswold Oriental Rugs

£850

FOR SALE

rugs

Antique Afghan Adraskhan Baluch Rug with 'Mushwani' Design, Circa 1900/20.

1900 - 1920

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Antique Afghan Adraskhan Baluch Rug with 'Mushwani' Design, Circa 1900/20.

From Cotswold Oriental Rugs

£950

FOR SALE

rugs

Antique Kizil Ayak Turkmen Prayer Rug of Scarce Design, Circa 1900/20.

1900 - 1920

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Antique Kizil Ayak Turkmen Prayer Rug of Scarce Design, Circa 1900/20.

From Cotswold Oriental Rugs

£450

FOR SALE

rugs

Antique Uzbek Suzani, Silk on Red Cotton, Excellent Condition, Circa 1900/20.

1900 - 1920

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Antique Uzbek Suzani, Silk on Red Cotton, Excellent Condition, Circa 1900/20.

From Cotswold Oriental Rugs

£1,250

FOR SALE

rugs

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Antique Asian Tribal Mat

Antique Qarqeen Afghan Turkmen Prayer Rug, Superb Condition, Circa 1920.

Antique Afghan Adraskhan Baluch Rug with 'Mushwani' Design, Circa 1900/20.

Antique Kizil Ayak Turkmen Prayer Rug of Scarce Design, Circa 1900/20.

Antique Uzbek Suzani, Silk on Red Cotton, Excellent Condition, Circa 1900/20.

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