What is a mafrash used for?

These rectangular containers served nomadic families as sturdy receptacles for bedding, carpets, and personal belongings inside tents. Today, collectors use complete bags and panels as decorative wall hangings or flat textiles within modern interiors.

How do I tell Tekke from Shahsavan pieces?

Tekke pieces often display distinct gul motifs like the aina gul on finely knotted or woven wool surfaces. Shahsavan weaving typically relies on soumak technique and incorporates bold bird and dragon designs or geometric panel layouts.

Are these pieces complete bags?

Some survivals retain their original plain weave backs and structural sides, forming complete storage containers. Other examples appear as single bag faces or isolated panels separated from the original carcass over time.

What materials make up these textiles?

Nomadic weavers built these bags using hand-spun wool alongside cotton and linen for structural reinforcement. Natural and vegetable dyes supplied the characteristic colouration across nineteenth century examples.

How do I care for a tribal bag?

Keep textiles away from direct sunlight to protect the natural and vegetable dyes from fading. Gentle vacuuming through a mesh screen helps remove dust without disturbing the hand-spun wool fibres.