now I know..wool rugs shed. This rug is beautiful, its darker than pictured, and it sheds. After researching this phenomenon, it sounds common, to be expected, not related to price but definitely related to hand "tufted" (sheds way more) v hand "knotted" (sheds much less). This rug is described as "handmade" which nicely skirts the question. Its tufted, and sheds like crazy. I initially moved to return it, but after reading about so many wool rugs shedding (unpredictably for months or years according to many folks) I decided to "own" it, follow the tips for care (don't use a beater, vacuum twice weekly to daily, use a pad), and see if the beauty of it outlasts the burden!