Our lovely client went to Yugoslavia just after the break up of the former U.S.S.R., around the mid to late 1980's. She said that the people there weren't very friendly at the time and didn't take to kindly to tourists in their towns.
It is understandable, they were still adjusting to being their own country and having to sustain themselves and probably didn't like to share what little resources they had.
When we visit another country we try to find trinkets and souvenirs to bring home, our client was no different.
Yugoslavia didn't have much in the way of tourist items except for these little rugs.A kilim rug of this size is used in the same way we would use a doily, sitting under a vase or in the middle of a small table.
I love that this small rug has a nice story and history behind it.
She also brought in this beautiful area rug she got on a trip to Mexico for cleaning as well.I love the tight basket weave of this rug and the charcoal grey colour. It looks like it might be rough since it is wool, but it is very soft and inviting to use. I think that buying area rugs on a trip is a great souvenir.
You usually don't buy a rug and not use it, unlike a mug or sweater. The thing to remember if you do buy an area rug from another country is to get it cleaned BEFORE you put it in your home.
The rug may carry moth eggs or other such bugs and plus they have the dirt from the country that you bought it in. The same goes with any clothing, it should be cleaned before you wear it the first time.
You don't know what your rug can be hiding, especially from another country. It is best to be safe then surprised.
Thanks for reading, RugloverMary
