The Art of Moroccan Zellige Mosaic

As you walk through the streets of Morocco, one cannot help but be drawn to the alluring wall and floor tile designs that grace homes, public areas, and religious sites . These elaborate mosaics, called Zellige, are an honored Moroccan handicraft with roots stretching back many centuries. Zellige is more than a simple tile it is an artistic expression that demands time, perseverance.

Every single piece of Zellige is a one of a kind artistic creation. It is crafted from a particular type of clay found in the Fez area. After being molded, dried, and fired, the tiles are painted by the artisans, who endow them with profound cultural meaning through the vivid hues they select. Tones of blue symbolize the ocean and the heavens, greens summon thoughts of plenty and growth, and earthy colors mirror the region's natural surroundings.


Cut by hand and positioned with great care, Zellige tiles convert spaces into a jubilant display of Moroccan artistry and heritage. Skilled master craftsmen dedicate innumerable hours and unwavering patience, precisely and passionately fashioning and assembling each tiny tile. The art of creating Zellige is transmitted from one generation to the next, and apprentices commit years to learning and perfecting this craft.

Zellige mosaics can seen all throughout Morocco. Zellige is not just a decorative item it personifies Morocco's cultural pride, imparting a sense of history, artistry. Crafted with patience, extraordinary skill, and a profound regard for Morocco's rich legacy, Zellige has evolved into a treasured art form, safeguarding the nation's cultural individuality for successive generations.

Previous
Previous

the traditional handwoven tapestries of morocco