The art of Zellige is a delicate process, where attention to detail is a vital ingredient in the production of these little tiles. Even though the industry has modernized somewhat, the process for assembling ceramic pieces has not changed during this time. But how are these tiles manufactured?
Zellige is a handcrafted clay tile that originates from Morocco. Zellige pieces are known for their variations in tone, shine, flatness, and depth of the glazing, its surface texture with irregularities as well as its variability in shape and size. Each ceramic element is unique. The specialised craftsmen—Mâllems—work to create your designs. This traditional Moroccan tile is made from a very unique natural clay. This unrefined clay is kneaded with water, moulded by hand, and dried naturally in the sun. Raw tiles are fired in a kiln to create biscuits—Bejmat—which are glazed tile bay tile in a variety of colours before a second firing that will set the enamel. The last step is the hand cutting of the glazed bejmat in multiple shapes and sizes, to create the Zellige.
In the following video, a co-production of Morocco In Motion, Editions Amabilis Maroc Sarl and Amabilis Inc., you can observe the manufacturing process of this historical technique that continues to fascinate us in the 21st century.
