How were these rugs originally used?

Nomadic weavers created these wool textiles for daily utility within tent and village life, using them as floor coverings, sleeping mats, and storage containers for grain or personal belongings. Smaller formats such as saddlebag faces and wheat sacks served practical transport functions before surviving as decorative fragments and collectors' items.

How do I care for an old wool rug?

Protect the textile by vacuuming gently without a rotating brush head and placing a breathable underlay beneath it to prevent slipping and friction against the floor. Keep the piece away from direct, prolonged sunlight to preserve the natural dyes, and consult a specialist in historic textiles for cleaning.

What defines Jaf Kurdish pieces?

Jaf Kurdish textiles are recognised by specific repeating geometric patterns and distinct structural traits linked to the Jaf tribe. These often manifest as compact bags or rug formats featuring durable wool and characteristic tribal layouts. The presence of original plain weave backs on Jaf items helps confirm their complete, unaltered state.

How do I distinguish regional styles?

Regional variations appear through distinct structural traits, colour palettes, and specific motif arrangements associated with areas like Quchan or East Anatolia. Quchan Kurdish pieces often incorporate regional Persian influences alongside traditional tribal designs. Examining the handling of wool, secondary materials like goat hair, and structural knotting helps separate one tribal working area from another.