Can these runners be used on floors?

Many examples function well as floor coverings in low-traffic areas, provided a quality underlay is used to prevent slipping and reduce abrasion. Flat-woven kilims and sturdy runner rugs tolerate gentle foot traffic when protected this way. Delicate silk panels, wall hangings, and fragile embroidered fragments are better suited to vertical display or low-traffic placement away from direct sunlight.

How are wall panels mounted safely?

Mounting is best achieved by stitching a cotton or linen sleeve to the reverse edge and sliding a slim wooden batten through it. This distributes the weight evenly across the entire top edge rather than stressing isolated points. Direct gluing, nailing, or pinning should be avoided entirely because piercing historic silk, wool, or linen causes permanent structural damage to the fibres.

What indicates a piece is tribal rather than commercial?

Tribal pieces display asymmetrical motifs, natural irregularities in the weave, and dye variations resulting from small-batch preparation. These variations reflect domestic production for personal use or local community exchange. Commercial or workshop pieces typically show strict geometric symmetry, uniform machine-spun yarns, and standardised sizing designed for export markets.