Zhelyo

One-of-a-kind vintage flatwoven reed mat

Dimensions: 6'11" x 13'7" (212 cm x 416 cm)

Zhelyo has been professionally cleaned; age-related wear and natural inconsistencies are inherent in these unique, handcrafted vintage pieces.

One-of-a-kind vintage flatwoven reed mat

Zhelyo has been professionally cleaned; age-related wear and natural inconsistencies are inherent in these unique, handcrafted vintage pieces.

• Only one in stock
• Reed foundation with leather embroidery
• Dimensions: 6'11" x 13'7" (212 cm x 416 cm)
• Flatweave: approximately 0"(0cm)
• Color palette: terracotta, sandstone, walnut brown
• These mats are prized for their expressive design and construction. Their freeform edges meander and wiggle, unbound by constrictions of mass production.

• Stripes—a simple and timeless classic

Semi-nomadic desert-dwellers who inhabit the Sahara, Tuareg tribes live across various North African countries including Morocco. The Tuareg wove light, sturdy reed and palm mats which rolled up easily to be carried on their backs when necessary. These pieces are quite rare, embroidered with leather in geometric patterns which are said to be powerful symbols for protection and worship.

In this piece, a reed foundation is bound together with intricate camel or goat leather embroidery. Both materials are native to the Saharan desert, and thrive in similarly hot and dry climates. Both are also undyed, and have darkened naturally to become their current shade.

• Dust and dirt that accumulate in your rug can erode the fibers over time. The best way to combat this is to take your rug outside and give it a good shake once a week. Depending on how large it is, you may need to recruit a friend to help. Also, be sure to get a rug pad—this helps to preserve your rug in spite of dirt.
• If shaking it out isn’t possible, you can vacuum it instead—just be cautious, and don’t use a rotary vacuum, because it can damage the fibers. Once or twice a month, use the suction attachment gently, from side to side. Once or twice a year, flip your rug over and vacuum the back.
• Once a year, let it sunbathe. Hang it in the sun for a few hours when it’s hottest, and flip it over midway through, to expose both sides to direct sunlight. This sun-bleaching helps further sanitize the wool. It’s a natural method to bleach and deodorize it.
• To ensure equal wear and protect against walk patterns, change your rug's direction periodically. You can also flip your rug upside-down once in awhile, and use it like that for a bit. With Moroccan rugs, the back is typically as nice as the front.
• Every 3-5 years, we recommend getting your rug professionally hand-washed with a Moroccan rug expert. Please do not take it to get steam or dry cleaned—this will almost certainly damage the rug! Hand-washing requires the use of a pH-balanced shampoo, worked into the rug by hand with a soft-bristled brush, before being rinsed thoroughly. This process should be repeated a few times.
• In case of spills:
  • Blot the spill until it is dry, but do not add liquid. Consult an Oriental rug specialist immediately for cleaning. Adding liquid can make it harder to remove stains, and can even extend them further. This is because moisture travels along the fiber, so in rugs with horizontal fibers (like flatweaves), it can get trapped.