How do I clean a wool mat?

Gentle surface brushing and regular light vacuuming without a rotating beater bar help maintain wool pile without stressing the antique foundation fibres. Professional textile conservators should handle deeper washes to prevent dye bleed or shrinkage in older pieces.

Where were these rugs made?

Weavers produced these textiles across Persian tribal regions, village workshops, and the borderlands shared with Afghanistan. Specific nomadic confederacies and regional centres such as Khamseh, Afshar, and Karaja developed distinct design vocabularies.

Can I use these on the floor?

These functional textiles were originally constructed for heavy domestic use, making them durable enough for moderate walking areas. Placing a breathable, non-slip underlay beneath the rug prevents sliding and cushions the historic wool foundation against hard floors.

How do I identify tribal designs?

Tribal designs typically feature repeating geometric medallions, stylised animals, and bold border guards passed down through generations of makers. Urban workshop pieces contrast with these nomadic styles through complex floral sprays, curved vines, and central medallion formats.