What is a khorjin rug?

A khorjin is an antique nomadic saddle bag woven by tribal groups in Persia and the Caucasus. They served as practical transport containers before being preserved as decorative textile art. Most surviving examples seen today are either complete double bags or single bag faces adapted for display as small rugs and cushions.

How were these bags used?

Nomadic tribes slung these paired bags across pack animals to carry personal possessions, household goods, and provisions during seasonal migrations. The sturdy construction and dense wool protected contents from weather and rough travel.

How do I style a bag face?

Bag faces function well as small decorative mats, wall hangings, or surface accents on tables and benches. Many are also mounted and stuffed to serve as floor cushions. Their compact dimensions allow them to introduce strong tribal geometry into smaller interior spaces.

How do I identify different tribes?

Tribal attribution relies on specific structural traits, colour palettes, and distinctive motif arrangements unique to weaving groups like the Qashqai, Baluch, or Shahsevan. Regional preferences in dyes and border designs provide key clues for identification. Familiarity with standard Kurdish, Afshar, and Luri design vocabularies helps distinguish one group's work from another.