What did nomads store in these bags?

Nomadic families used these containers for practical daily storage inside tents and during seasonal migrations. Items ranged from household grain and salt to personal vanity belongings and wool-spinning tools. Larger sacks held bedding and heavy wool garments to keep them off damp ground. Smaller hanging bags kept smaller implements accessible along the lattice walls of the dwelling.

Are these bags complete or just faces?

The inventory includes both complete bags with their original plain weave backs intact and standalone bag faces. Many surviving pieces retain their original structure, while others lost their rear panels through decades of use or separation. Complete examples offer a view of the original construction and back panel techniques. Bag faces display the primary decorative weaving intended to be seen when hanging inside a tent.

How do I hang a textile on the wall?

Mounting these textiles requires weight distribution across the upper edge rather than piercing the fabric with nails or direct stitches. A padded wooden batten or archival Velcro strip sewn to a cotton sleeve works well. This method supports the structure evenly across the wool and cotton foundation without stressing the historical fibres. Ensure the display location avoids direct sunlight to protect the natural dyes.

How do I identify which tribe made a bag?

Tribal attribution relies on specific design vocabulary, structural formats and colour palettes unique to each weaving group. Turkmen tribes utilise distinct guls and deep madder red grounds, while Baluch and Kurdish pieces show darker palettes and banded weft work. Examining the selvedges, end finishes and wool quality provides further clues to regional origins in Persia, Afghanistan or Central Asia.