What is an antique woven mafrash?

An antique woven mafrash is a heavy storage bag or panel made by nomadic tribes in regions like the Caucasus and Turkmenistan during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. These textiles served as functional containers for bedding and household possessions during seasonal migrations before surviving as decorative examples of tribal art.

How were mafrash bags used?

Nomadic families packed these durable wool bags with blankets and clothing to load onto pack animals during tribal travels. Inside the tent, stacked containers functioned as storage furniture and interior partitions within the nomadic dwelling.

How do I identify Shahsavan pieces?

Shahsavan tribal textiles frequently employ Soumak technique featuring distinctive bird, dragon, and geometric animal motifs. Their panels often display bright natural dye palettes and precise structural weaving associated with northwestern Iran and the South Caucasus.

How do I care for a textile panel?

Protect your textile from direct sunlight and dust accumulation by vacuuming gently through a mesh screen on low suction. Mount flat panels securely on breathable backing materials if hung on a wall to distribute weight evenly across the wool structure.