Zellige is a traditional Moroccan mosaic art form composed of small ceramic pieces. It has existed since the 10th century and is a hallmark of Islamic architecture in North Africa. Influenced by Andalusian culture, Zellige reflects a harmony between aesthetics, technical craftsmanship, and spiritual philosophy.
(1) Zellige Documentation by Riad Salih, CC BY 4.0. (2) Documentation by Иерей Максим Массалитин from Rabat, Morocco - Médersa, CC BY-SA 2.0
Zellige production begins with processing local clay into square tiles. After being fired and coated with colorful glazes such as navy blue, olive green, bright yellow, and white, the tiles are hand-cut into symmetrical shapes ranging from triangles, octagons, stars, and other complex patterns. These pieces are then arranged in an inverted pattern on a flat surface before being installed on walls, floors, or fountains.
(1) Pengrazin Zellige documentation by Dan Lundberg, CC BY-SA 2.0. (2) Documentation by Jadcooper, CC BY-SA 4.0
Zellige is more than just visual decoration. The repeating geometric patterns reflect the religious values of Islamic art, which avoids depictions of living creatures. These symmetrical shapes symbolize the order of the universe and eternity, and have a calming effect on the viewer.
(1) Zellige Building Documentation by Fabienkhan, CC BY-SA 2.5. (2) Documentation by Hiroki Ogawa, CC BY 3.0
Zellige works can be found in many historic buildings in Morocco, such as mosques, schools, palaces, and traditional houses. The city of Fez is known as a major center for this craft, where artisans (maalems) pass down their skills from generation to generation. Each region in Morocco has its own distinctive Zellige style: in Fez, the motifs tend to be classic and detailed, while in Marrakesh, the motifs are more experimental with a brighter color palette.
Written by: Noverdy R
Reference:
- Elixir Fes. (2024). The Art of Fez Zellige: Geometric Brilliance in Moroccan Tiles. Accessed from ( https://elixirfes.com )
- Moments Log. (2023). The Craft of Moroccan Tile Work: Geometric Designs, Techniques, and Cultural Significance. Accessed from ( https://momentslog.com )
- Cortex Architecture. (2023). Zellige: Where Geometry Meets the Mind – The Cognitive Power of Islamic Mosaic Art. Accessed from ( https://cortexarch.com )
