A bag face is the decorative front panel of a nomadic storage container or saddle-bag. These panels survived when the plainer backs wore out or were removed. Nomads originally wove these bags for practical use during migrations. Today, collectors preserve the remaining decorative faces as flat textile art.

How were these bags used?

Nomadic tribes utilised these containers for storing household possessions, bedding, and provisions inside tents or on pack animals. Double saddle-bags draped over horses or camels for transport. Smaller bags served as pillows, grain holders, or vanity pouches for personal items. Their construction balanced utility with tribal identity.

How do I care for a textile?

Keep these wool textiles out of direct sunlight to prevent natural dye fading. Gentle vacuuming with a mesh screen protects the ancient fibres from damage. Avoid moisture and professional rug washing unless handled by a specialised textile conservator. Proper mounting relieves tension on the historic foundation.

How can I tell tribes apart?

Tribes are identified through distinct colour palettes, structural techniques, and specific geometric motifs. For instance, Turkmen weavers favored repeating guls on ivory or red grounds. Persian tribal groups like the Qashqa'i or Shahsavan incorporated multi-medallion layouts and flat-woven sumac structures. Each region developed recognizable visual signatures over generations.