How do I hang a flatweave safely?

Mount the textile by stitching a cotton sleeve to the upper reverse edge, then slide a padded wooden slat or slim metal rod through the fabric. This distributes the weight evenly across the entire top margin without puncturing the wool. Avoid using direct nails, clips, or heavy adhesives that can distort the flatweave structure or strain individual warp threads over time.

Which tribes made these textiles?

Nomadic and semi-nomadic confederacies across Persia produced these flatweaves, including the Qashqa'i, Lori-Bakhtiari, Afshar, Shahsavan, and Baluch. Each group utilised distinct colour palettes, wool qualities, and geometric layouts tied to their specific geographic regions. Identifying the maker often depends on recognising regional motifs from areas such as Fars Province, the Chahar Mahal valley, or Kerman.

How are these dates determined?

Dating relies on analysing the wool preparation, natural dye saturation, structural wear patterns, and traditional tribal motifs recorded in the weave. Late nineteenth and early twentieth century pieces display distinct hand-spun textures and dye interactions predating synthetic colourants. Stylistic conventions and structural traits anchor each piece within specific decades of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

How do I care for wool wall textiles?

Protect the piece from direct sunlight to prevent natural dye fading, and gently vacuum the surface using a low-suction attachment through a mesh screen. Keep the textile away from damp walls and high-humidity areas to protect the organic fibres. Professional textile conservators should handle any deep cleaning or structural repairs rather than standard household laundering.