How do I clean an antique navy carpet?

Professional dusting and specialist hand-washing preserve wool pile and natural indigo dyes. Avoid harsh chemical treatments that strip natural lanolin from the fibres. Regular gentle vacuuming without a beater bar removes surface grit before it settles into the wool foundation.

Are these carpets suitable for heavy foot traffic?

Wool possesses natural resilience that handles hallway runners and living room placement with ease. Dense construction distributes weight across the foundation threads. Placing an appropriate underlay beneath the floor covering prevents slipping and reduces fibre friction against hard floors.

How do I distinguish tribal from workshop rugs?

Tribal weavings display geometric motifs and asymmetrical designs created from memory by nomadic groups. Workshop pieces exhibit precise symmetrical curves and predetermined cartouche borders. Regional characteristics help identify specific groups such as Baluch or Qashqai weavers.

What causes variations in navy blue tones?

Natural indigo extraction produces shifts in shade known as abrash. These tonal variations occur between dye batches and add depth to the dark navy field. Age and exposure to light gently soften the wool pile over decades of domestic use.