Where were these mats woven?

These floor coverings originated across diverse regions including Persia, Afghanistan, the Caucasus, Turkmenistan, and Anatolia. Tribal confederacies and village communities produced them for everyday utility rather than export. The geographic origins often dictate the specific wool quality, palette choices, and structural characteristics found in the weaving.

How do I clean a antique wool mat?

Gentle surface cleaning and regular light vacuuming without a beater bar help maintain the wool pile. Professional specialist cleaning remains safest for older textiles to prevent dye bleeding or foundation shrinkage. Keeping the mat out of direct, harsh sunlight preserves the natural dye colours over many years.

What is a prayer rug?

A prayer rug is a smaller format textile featuring a distinct architectural arch or mihrab design at one or both ends. Weavers created these specifically for individual daily religious observance. The compact dimensions made them portable for nomadic lifestyles while providing a clean surface for prayer.

How old are these textiles?

The pieces represented here date primarily from the late nineteenth century up to the 1930s. Dating relies on stylistic analysis, structural examination, and the chemistry of the natural dyes. Many bear signs of genuine domestic age, including characteristic wear patterns and softened patinas acquired through decades of household service.