How do I care for an old wool rug?

Regular gentle vacuuming without a rotating power brush helps remove embedded dust from the wool pile. Professional cleaning by a specialist in antique textiles prevents fibre degradation. Placing the rug out of direct sunlight preserves the natural dyes. Using a breathable underlay prevents slipping and reduces wear against hard flooring.

Where were these rugs made?

These pieces originate from the Fars province in southwest Persia, historically marketed through the regional hub of Shiraz. Nomadic confederacies like the Qashqai and Khamseh produced them in seasonal camps and villages. Weavers drew inspiration from their surrounding environment, incorporating tribal symbols and local flora into their geometric layouts. The geographic isolation of these groups preserved distinct regional styles well into the twentieth century.

Are these rugs suitable for heavy traffic?

Traditional wool construction and high lanolin content provide considerable natural resilience against daily wear. Fully piled examples handle moderate foot traffic in living areas and hallways quite well. Extremely fine or fragile pieces with low pile benefit from placement in low-traffic zones or display as wall hangings. Assessing the remaining pile depth helps determine the best placement for daily use.

How are different tribal styles identified?

Identification relies on examining structural characteristics such as selvedge finishes, end treatments, and the specific palette of natural dyes. Qashqai pieces often feature distinctive multi-medallion layouts and rich indigo grounds. Khamseh and Baharlu pieces frequently display darker palettes and dense repeating geometric motifs like small birds or stars. Comparing knotting direction and wool characteristics further aids in separating distinct tribal origins.