What is a traditional wool flatweave?

A traditional wool flatweave is a textile constructed on a loom without a knotted pile surface. These pieces include kilims, soumaks and tapestry rugs from various tribal regions. Weavers use wool and natural dyes to produce lightweight coverings and hangings that served functional purposes in nomadic and village homes.

How do I care for a flatweave rug?

Care for these textiles involves gentle vacuuming without a rotating brush bar to protect the flat structure. Professional cleaning suitable for antique textiles maintains the wool fibres. Keep pieces away from direct sunlight to prevent natural dyes from fading over time.

Where were these textiles made?

These pieces originated across Anatolia, the Caucasus, Persia, Turkmenistan and Eastern Europe. Different tribes and villages developed distinct regional designs and weaving methods. Communities in regions such as Shirvan, Karabagh and Bessarabia produced recognisable geometric and floral patterns.

What is the difference between a kilim and a soumak?

A kilim is woven using a flat slit-tapestry technique where weft threads are returned at colour boundaries. This creates a smooth, identical pattern on both sides. A soumak incorporates a wrapping technique across the warp threads that leaves floats on the reverse and provides a textured, heavier face.

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Traditional Wool Flatweave

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Traditional wool flatweave pieces comprise woven textiles produced by tribal and regional makers across Anatolia, Persia, the Caucasus and Eastern Europe.