This is a funky rug that is fun and unusual. There is no way that it is ever being cleaned except perhaps to take it outside and shake it. Maybe you could use a brush head on it? It is purely for looks. If you have shedding cats or dogs or live near sand you should pass on this.
It is leather scraps sewn onto a backing...I haven't seen evidence of knotting else that would be truly uncomfortable to walk on. That being said, for the price it is super fun and I figure we will have it a year or two in the living/greeting room where it gets little use or traffic but lots of admiration. Lots of the pieces have come off but after throwing away a few I just throw them back on now and you can't tell. It is just a funky, fluffy colorful statement piece! I really like it and my husband just sort of shakes his head and says "Whatever makes you happy, honey." 
When he saw the price he was very happy.