How do I clean an old tribal rug?

Gentle surface cleaning and regular light vacuuming without a rotating brush help maintain wool pile. Professional specialist cleaning is necessary for deep washing to protect the natural dyes. Avoid harsh chemical detergents and excessive water immersion, which can damage hand-spun wool foundations and cause dye migration.

Are these rugs suitable for heavy foot traffic?

Many of these pieces were constructed for daily utilitarian floor use by nomadic communities, utilising durable wool and sturdy knotting. Placing a quality underlay beneath the rug helps absorb impact and prevents slipping on hard floors. Lighter flat-weave kilims or delicate antique formats benefit from placement in lower-traffic areas to preserve their historic structure.

How can I tell different tribal designs apart?

Tribal designs often rely on specific geometric vocabularies, such as the octagonal guls of Turkmen groups or the intricate field medallions of Qashqai and Khamseh weavers. Colour palettes, including deep reds, indigos and earthy browns, also offer clues to regional origins. Consulting structural details like warps, wefts and side finishes helps connect a piece to its specific tribal provenance.

What is the difference between a rug and a main carpet?

Main carpets are larger room-sized textiles woven for central floor spaces within a tent or dwelling, requiring extended time and multiple weavers. Rugs and smaller format pieces serve more portable functions, including doorway hangings, bedding covers or saddle transport. Both categories share traditional tribal motifs, but their scale reflects their original domestic purpose.