How do I clean an old wool rug?

Gentle surface sweeping and occasional professional specialist cleaning preserve the natural wool fibres and dyes. Avoid aggressive scrubbing or harsh chemical detergents that strip moisture from the material.

Can these carpets handle heavy foot traffic?

The dense wool construction and sturdy hand-knotted pile make many of these vintage runners and carpets suitable for hallways and living spaces. Using a quality underlay prevents slipping and cushions the foundation against hard floors.

How do I identify a tribal design?

Tribal designs feature repetitive geometric medallions, hooked diamonds, and abstracted animal or plant motifs. These patterns stem from traditional weaving practices passed down within specific communities rather than urban workshops. The absence of complex curves and the presence of asymmetrical tribal symbols indicate rural or nomadic origins.

Why do the colours look different in daylight?

Natural dyes react to light sources, shifting in tone depending on whether they sit in direct sunlight or dim interior spaces. The variation comes from the organic plant and insect sources used to dye the wool. This characteristic gives the surface a dynamic visual depth that synthetic dyes rarely match.