What is a terracotta wool cushion?

These pieces are decorative cushions constructed from authentic nineteenth-century tribal woven fragments, such as saddlebag faces, torbas, and kilims. They transform historical nomadic textiles originating from Persian, Anatolian, and Central Asian workshops into functional home furnishings.

How were antique tribal bags used?

Nomadic tribes utilised these woven containers for storage inside tents and transport on pack animals during seasonal migrations. Saddlebags and torbas held personal belongings, household goods, and provisions before later being repurposed as decorative textiles and cushions.

How do I identify different tribal styles?

Distinguishing styles relies on recognising specific geometric motifs, colour palettes, and weaving structures associated with groups like the Shahsavan, Qashqa'i, and Turkmen. Each region employed distinct border patterns, structural techniques, and natural dye combinations characteristic of their tribal heritage.

How do I care for a textile cushion?

Maintain these wool and natural dye cushions through gentle surface cleaning and occasional airing away from direct sunlight. Professional textile conservation cleaning protects the historical hand-spun fibres and prevents degradation of the antique materials.