How were these rugs used?

Nomadic families utilised these woven textiles for diverse domestic and ceremonial purposes inside and outside the yurt. Larger carpets served as floor coverings, while smaller bags stored household provisions. Specialised pieces like asmalyks and horse blankets fulfilled ceremonial functions during tribal weddings and festive processions across the steppes.

How do I care for an antique rug?

Gentle vacuuming without a rotating beater bar prevents dust accumulation while protecting the delicate wool pile and flatweave ends. Professional textile conservation cleaning ensures natural fibres retain their strength. Keep the textile away from direct sunlight to preserve the organic dye colours over decades of display.

How can I tell the age?

Dating relies on assessing the wool quality, the chemical composition of natural dyes, and the structural characteristics of the weave foundation. Nineteenth-century examples typically display softer hand-spun wool and more nuanced colour fading. Structural formats, design asymmetry, and the presence of natural wear patterns further guide collectors in determining the period of origin.