Beginner guide · 8 min
Nomadic weaving of Iran
Editorial team · updated 2026-09-29
Portable looms
Horizontal ground looms can be rolled up and carried on migration. This limits width and shapes the design.
Wool and dye
Weavers use wool from their own herds. Small dye batches give abrash, the soft colour banding seen in many pieces.
What they weave
Rugs, saddle bags, salt bags, tent bands and covers all served everyday needs before becoming collectable.
Today
Many families have settled, and much 'nomadic' weaving today is woven in villages or workshops. Ask sellers what they know about who wove a piece.
Related photographs
Representative photographs, not of any specific catalogued object. Sources on the credits page.