How were textile hangings used historically?

Historic textile pieces served various domestic and ceremonial functions, ranging from interior wall decoration and dowry items to horse blankets and storage bags. Nomadic and settled communities alike utilised these items to display status, beautify living spaces, and mark significant cultural events.

How do I care for an antique hanging?

Protect delicate historic textiles from direct sunlight to prevent natural dyes from fading over time. Mount the piece carefully to distribute weight evenly across the fabric rather than suspending it from a single point of tension.

How can I tell tribal pieces apart?

Tribal origins are identified by distinct colour palettes, specific geometric or figurative motifs, and regional stitching techniques. For instance, Lakai embroideries feature lively appliqué and chain stitch, while Yomut Turkmen works often display characteristic guls and felting.

What periods do these textiles cover?

The listings span multiple centuries, including seventeenth-century English crewelwork and continental panels alongside nineteenth-century Persian bagfaces. Many examples date from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, reflecting the peak periods of nomadic and traditional tribal production.