How do I care for an old wool runner?

Vacuum gently without a rotating brush roll to protect the hand-spun wool fibres and natural dyes. Keep the piece out of direct sunlight to prevent fading and rotate it periodically for even wear. Professional cleaning should be handled by specialists familiar with antique tribal textiles and natural dye stabilisation.

Where were these tribal rugs made?

These textiles originate from regions spanning western Afghanistan and north-east Persia, including the Khorasan and Sistan provinces. Nomadic and village groups such as the Timuri and Salar Khani produced them across these borderlands. Production methods and regional motifs often reflect the specific tribal affiliations of the weavers working in these areas.

How are different tribal designs identified?

Tribal attribution relies on recurring design elements such as specific gul shapes, kalam donneh motifs, and mina khani lattices. Colour palettes, including deep aubergine grounds and red wool tones, also point toward particular regional workshops. Structural details like goat hair edges and hand-spun foundations further assist in distinguishing pieces from groups like the Mahdad Khani or Timuri.