How do I clean an antique tribal rug?

Professional dusting and specialist low-moisture washing preserve the integrity of natural wool and indigo dyes. Avoid household detergents and mechanical scrubbing, which damage fragile fibres and cause colours to bleed.

Can I place these carpets in high-traffic areas?

Sturdy wool construction and tight knotting allow many antique village rugs to handle moderate hallway or living room traffic. Using a quality underlay prevents slipping and cushions the foundation against premature wear on hard floors.

What causes the colour variation in indigo fields?

Hand-spun wool absorbs natural dye baths unevenly, creating subtle tonal shifts known as abrash across the dark blue background. This variation demonstrates traditional dyeing methods rather than a manufacturing defect.

How do I distinguish Baluch rugs from Caucasian pieces?

Baluch rugs typically feature deep indigo and dark brown grounds with camel hair accents and geometric symbols associated with western Afghan and eastern Persian nomads. Caucasian pieces lean towards brighter primary palettes with sharper, highly geometric medallions and distinct border arrangements.