What is a hand knotted tribal cushion?

It is a decorative cushion made from the antique face of a nomadic bag, saddlebag, or storage pouch. These textiles originate from nineteenth and early twentieth century tribal groups in Persia and Central Asia.

How were these tribal bags originally used?

Nomadic peoples used them as functional storage containers for transporting household goods, bedding, and possessions. They hung inside tents or across pack animals before surviving fragments were repurposed into cushions.

How do I identify the tribe?

Tribal attribution relies on specific knotting structures, wool characteristics, and characteristic design motifs. Groups like the Qashqai, Afshar, and Tekke Turkmen each employed distinct colour palettes and geometric patterns.

Are natural dyes used in these pieces?

Yes, traditional nomadic weavers relied entirely on natural dye sources for their wool. These vegetable and mineral colourants create the rich, varied tones seen across the historical pieces.

How should I care for a tribal cushion?

Gentle surface cleaning and protection from direct sunlight preserve the antique wool and natural dyes. Professional textile cleaning is recommended for maintaining the structural integrity of older hand-spun pile.