How were nomadic carpets used?

Nomadic carpets served practical functions within portable dwellings, acting as floor coverings, bedding, blankets and storage bags for daily life. Weavers also created specialised textiles like door rugs and dining kilims that fulfilled specific ceremonial and domestic roles within the camp.

How do I clean a wool carpet?

Regular gentle vacuuming without a beater bar removes surface dust and grit from the wool pile. Professional specialist cleaning remains essential for addressing deep dirt or spills on antique natural dyed textiles.

Where were these rugs made?

These textiles originated among nomadic and village tribes inhabiting Persia, Central Asia and Turkmenistan. Regions include Luristan, the Quchan area and traditional tribal territories of southern and western Persia. Specific groups such as the Tekke, Yomut, Ersari, Kurdish and Qashqai weavers produced distinct regional styles recognizable by their unique motifs.

What are natural dyes?

Natural dyes derive from plant, root, insect and mineral sources utilised by traditional weavers before the widespread adoption of synthetic colorants. These materials produce nuanced, complex shades that age gradually over time. Colours often show subtle tonal variations known as abrash, resulting from different dye batches used across the weaving process.