What were antique caucasian rug bags used for?

Nomadic tribes utilised these woven containers to pack bedding, clothing, and household provisions during seasonal migrations across the Caucasus and northern Persia. They functioned as functional saddlebags, storage chests, and smaller vanity pouches that hung inside tents for daily organisation.

How do I display a rug bag in my home?

Many collectors mount complete bag faces or mafrash panels on walls as textile art to protect the fragile wool from heavy floor traffic. Smaller formats often find new life as decorative cushions or pillows when backed with complementary fabrics.

What is the difference between a soumak bag and a kilim bag?

Soumak bags feature a wrapped weft-faced structure that creates a textured, raised pattern on the front face resembling embroidery. Kilim bags utilise a flat tapestry weave without wrapping, resulting in a smooth fabric on both sides.

How can I tell a Shahsavan bag from a Kurd bag?

Shahsavan weaving typically showcases precise soumak technique with geometric motifs, birds, and dragons originating from the Moghan region. Jaf Kurd examples often display distinct repeating boteh designs or simpler geometric field patterns with plain weave backs.