What is an oriental saddle bag?

An oriental saddle bag is a woven carrier made by nomadic weavers in regions such as Persia and Anatolia. These functional items stored belongings during seasonal migrations before being collected as decorative textiles.

How were saddle bags used?

Tribes slung these heavy woven bags across horses, camels, or donkeys to transport household goods. They functioned as portable storage units during nomadic travels. When emptied, they served as domestic containers within tents before later conversion into cushions and wall hangings.

How do I live with one?

You can display saddle bags as wall art or use them as decorative floor cushions and pillows. Their durable wool construction suits everyday interior settings. Protect them from direct sunlight to preserve the natural dyes and hand-spun fibres.

How do I identify different tribes?

Tribal identity reveals itself through distinct geometric patterns, colour palettes, and weaving structures. Qashqai, Afshar, and Shahsavan groups each employed signature motifs. Comparing structural details like sumac work or kilim ends helps distinguish one regional style from another.