How do I clean an old wool rug?

Gentle surface brushing and professional specialist immersion washing preserve the natural lanolin in antique wool. Avoid harsh chemical detergents that strip the historical dyes. Regular low-suction vacuuming without a rotating beater bar prevents dust accumulation in the pile. Keeping the textile out of direct sunlight protects the crimson madder tones from fading.

Are these carpets suitable for heavy traffic?

Sturdy village carpets and thick wool pile runners withstand everyday hallway and living room use admirably. Their dense hand-knotted construction provides natural resilience against wear. Placing a quality underlay beneath the rug prevents slipping and reduces friction between the foundation and the floorboards. Lighter tribal bags and delicate silk pieces are better suited to low-traffic display.

How can I tell tribal rugs apart?

Tribal attribution relies on characteristic motif structures, palette choices, and structural edge finishes unique to specific groups. Turkmen weaving displays distinctive guls on deep crimson grounds, while Baluch pieces use dark indigo and reddish-brown wools. Kurdish and Afshar makers incorporate geometric field repeats and distinct border guard stripes. Examining the back of the rug reveals knot density and warp depression clues.