How do I clean an antique tribal rug?

Vacuum gently without using a rotating brush roll to protect fragile, low-pile wool areas. Professional specialist cleaning remains essential for addressing deep dust without damaging historic natural dyes.

Can I place these rugs in high traffic areas?

Sturdy wool and cotton foundations allow these pieces to handle moderate foot traffic in living spaces. Heavily distressed areas require careful placement to prevent further fibre loss over time.

What causes the distressed appearance?

Decades of walking, natural light exposure and gentle washing gradually wear down the hand-spun wool pile. This organic ageing process creates the faded aesthetic and soft texture prized by modern interior designers.

How do I identify a tribal design?

Tribal rugs typically feature geometric motifs, hooked polygons and stylised animals rather than formal court curves. Nomadic weavers relied on memory and local tradition rather than drawn paper cartoons.