How do I care for a wool pile rug?

Vacuum gently without a rotating brush to protect the delicate pile and natural wool fibres from excessive friction. Keep the textile out of direct sunlight to preserve the natural dyes and prevent fading over time.

Were these rugs used on floors?

Many examples served utilitarian functions inside tents and homes as floor coverings, sleeping mats, or animal trappings. Other formats like wheat-sacks and tent bands were strictly practical items for storage and transport during nomadic migration.

How do I identify a tribal rug's origin?

Look closely at the specific repeating motifs, structural format, and regional colour palettes employed in the weave. Turkmen pieces often feature characteristic guls, whereas Persian tribal pieces show distinct regional dyeing habits. Examining the weave structure and materials gives further clues to whether a piece originates from Anatolia, the Caucasus, or Central Asia.

A tent band is a long, narrow woven textile used historically by nomadic groups to secure and decorate the exterior of yurt structures. These pieces often display intricate geometric patterns and dense wool construction designed to withstand harsh weather.