What is an antique nomad carpet?

An antique nomad carpet is a hand-woven textile created by pastoral or tribal communities for daily use, transport, or household storage. These pieces utilise traditional motifs passed down through generations. The materials typically consist of hand-spun wool and natural dyes on wool or cotton foundations, reflecting the specific geographic region of the weaving tribe.

How were these tribal bags used?

Bags such as torbas, chuvals, and salt bags served practical storage functions within nomadic tents. Families used them to pack belongings during seasonal migrations or to organise household items. Over time, collectors separated many of these decorative face panels from their original backings to preserve the intricate front weaving.

How do I care for an antique rug?

Living with these textiles requires gentle maintenance, such as regular light vacuuming without a rotating brush bar. Keeping them away from direct, harsh sunlight preserves the stability of the natural dyes. Professional cleaning tailored to antique wool textiles ensures the foundation remains strong without stripping natural lanolin from the fibres.