What is an indigo wool rug?

An indigo wool rug is a hand-woven or hand-knotted textile created by tribal and village weavers using wool dyed with natural plant-based indigo. These pieces hail from nineteenth and early twentieth-century traditions across the Caucasus, Persia, and Central Asia. Such rugs incorporate regional motifs and durable structures designed for practical daily use in nomadic camps and village homes.

How were these rugs used originally?

Nomadic and village communities utilised these textiles as floor coverings, sleeping mats, tent hangings, and saddle or storage bags. Their dense wool construction provided insulation against cold earthen floors and harsh climates. Smaller formats like torbas and balisht-faces served as functional storage containers inside traditional dwellings before entering the collector market.

How do I care for an antique wool rug?

Protect antique wool textiles by placing them in low-traffic areas and using breathable underlays to prevent slipping. Regular gentle vacuuming without the beater bar removes trapped dust without damaging the pile. Professional specialist cleaning is recommended for antique vegetable-dyed wool to preserve the integrity of the natural fibres and historical dyes.

How can I tell different tribal styles apart?

Tribal styles are distinguished by their specific structural foundations, colour palettes, and repeating geometric motifs. Caucasian pieces frequently display sharp octagons and stars, whereas Persian village rugs often feature curved medallions or overall Heriz patterns. Turkmen and Baluch tribal weavings are identifiable through distinct gul emblems, dark brown grounds, and precise border arrangements unique to each confederacy.

Home > Indigo Wool Rug > Page 2

Indigo Wool Rug

120 items · page 2 of 8

← Page 2 of 8 →

An indigo wool rug brings profound depth and rich history into a room through natural plant dyes and enduring tribal craftsmanship.

Persian Tribal Long Rug, Circa 1890, 3.93m X 1.21m

19th century

Save

Persian Tribal Long Rug, Circa 1890, 3.93m X 1.21m

From Aaron Nejad Carpets and Rugs

£2,950

3+ MONTHS AGO

rugs

Antique Balisht-face (Pillow Bag-face), Kordi Tribes, Quchan Region, Khorassan Province, North-east Persia.

19th century

Save

Antique Balisht-face (Pillow Bag-face), Kordi Tribes, Quchan Region, Khorassan Province, North-east Persia.

From Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets

£850

3+ MONTHS AGO

rugs

19th century

Save

Antique Caucasian with Lezghi Stars

From Siez Gallery

£1,195

3+ MONTHS AGO

rugs

1900 - 1920

Save

Antique Heriz Bag Face

From Farnham Antique Carpets

£2,400

3+ MONTHS AGO

rugs

1900 - 1920

Save

Vintage Turkish Kelim

From Antiques Decorative

£380

3+ MONTHS AGO

rugs

19th century

Save

Handsome Kurdish Carpet, West Persia, Late 19th Century, 3.33m X 2.04m (10'11" X 6'9")

From Aaron Nejad Carpets and Rugs

£6,500

3+ MONTHS AGO

rugs

Antique Flat-weave / Kilim, Tribes of Avar, Davaghin, Daghestan, North-eastern Caucasus.

1920 - 1940

Save

Antique Flat-weave / Kilim, Tribes of Avar, Davaghin, Daghestan, North-eastern Caucasus.

From Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets

£4,500

3+ MONTHS AGO

rugs

Antique Yomut Turkmen Torba Face with 'Kepse' Gul Design, Circa 1890.

19th century

Save

Antique Yomut Turkmen Torba Face with 'Kepse' Gul Design, Circa 1890.

From Cotswold Oriental Rugs

£245

3+ MONTHS AGO

rugs

19th century

Save

Large Antique Crooked Kazak Rug Runner

From Desired Effect Antiques Ltd

£595

3+ MONTHS AGO

rugs

1900 - 1920

Save

Antique Karaja Rug 1.82m X 1.42m

From Rug Addiction

£2,500

3+ MONTHS AGO

rugs

Current listings feature textiles spanning the 1850s to the 1940s, executed in wool, cotton, and natural dyes across Persian, Caucasian, and Turkmen traditions.