How do I clean an old wool rug?

Gentle surface cleaning and regular light vacuuming without a rotating brush help maintain the wool pile safely. Professional textile cleaners experienced in antique carpets should handle deeper washes to protect natural dyes and fragile foundations.

Can these rugs handle heavy foot traffic?

Traditional hand-spun wool and sturdy cotton foundations make these textiles remarkably durable for everyday residential use. Placing a quality rug underlay beneath the piece reduces friction against hard floors and extends the life of the weave.

How do I identify a tribal design?

Tribal designs typically feature geometric medallions, repeating hooked motifs, and stylised animal or plant forms rather than curved court florals. These patterns reflect the specific heritage and local weaving traditions of nomadic groups or mountain villages.

Why do some rugs show colour variations?

Hand-spun wool absorbs natural dyebots differently across batches, resulting in subtle tonal shifts known as abrash. This variation in shade is a hallmark of traditional dyeing methods using roots, insects, and plants.