How were kilims used originally?

Nomadic and village communities utilised these flat-weaves for practical domestic purposes including floor rugs, tent partitions, and animal transport sacks. Storage bags like chuvals and mafrashes held bedding and household goods. Smaller items such as sofres served as dedicated cloths for preparing bread or gathering families around meals within tribal dwellings.

How do I care for an antique kilim?

Protect antique flat-weaves by placing a quality non-slip underlay beneath rugs to prevent sliding and reduce friction against hard floors. Regular gentle vacuuming without a rotating brush roll keeps dust from settling into the weave. Professional textile cleaning is recommended for heavier soil, while cushions benefit from gentle rotation and airing away from direct sunlight.

How do I identify different tribal origins?

Distinct regional characteristics emerge through specific colour palettes, border arrangements, and geometric iconographies handed down within particular groups like the Qashqai, Shahsevan, or Baluch. Caucasus regions often favor crisp hooked polygons and banded layouts. Anatolian and Persian workshops display varied field divisions and abrash colour shifts resulting from batch-dyed natural wool yarns.