What were these bags used for?

Nomadic communities used these woven containers for transporting salt, tobacco, pipes, and personal belongings during seasonal migrations across the region. They also served as domestic storage within tents, holding household goods or functioning as comfortable cushions and pillows.

How do I care for a textile?

Protect the wool from direct sunlight and damp environments to preserve the natural dyes and structural integrity of the fibres. Gentle surface cleaning by a specialist familiar with antique tribal textiles ensures the piece remains stable without damaging the delicate weave.

How do I identify tribal origins?

Specific design motifs, colour combinations, and weave structures help attribute pieces to distinct groups like the Qashqa'i, Afshar, or Shahsavan. Regional palettes and specific technical methods often point directly to the geographic area where the nomadic weavers lived.

Are complete saddle-bags rare?

Complete double saddle-bags with both original pockets and connecting webs survive less frequently because many were cut apart for easier use. Finding a piece with its original plain weave back or matching sections intact is a notable discovery for collectors.