What is a khorjin face?

A khorjin face is the decorative front panel of a nomadic saddlebag, originally woven on portable looms by tribal groups in Persia. These panels were separated from their storage backs as the bags wore out or when collectors sought out the decorative weaving alone.

How were these bags used?

Nomadic tribes slung pairs of these large bags across pack animals to transport personal belongings, provisions, and household goods during seasonal migrations. Inside the tents, similar bags served as upright storage containers for grain, bedding, and smaller items of daily use.

How do I identify tribal groups?

Tribal attribution relies on specific structural traits, knotting styles, and characteristic colour palettes associated with regions like Fars, Luristan, or Kerman. Motifs such as tile designs, boteh patterns, and central medallions offer further clues to the specific nomadic confederation that produced the textile.

How should I care for an antique textile?

Keep these wool and cotton pieces away from direct sunlight to protect the natural dyes from fading over time. Gentle vacuuming without a rotating brush helps remove dust from the wool pile without damaging the antique foundation structure.