How Moroccan Zellige is made

Discover the art of Zellige, a traditional Moroccan tile-making technique. Learn about the intricate process of handcrafting these beautiful mosaic tiles, from shaping clay to glazing and firing. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Morocco and explore the timeless beauty of Zellige craftsmanship..

how it's made

Our Moroccan Zellige tiles are a culmination of centuries of dedicated craftsmanship, born from a rich history of adorning palaces with geometric and floral designs. Today, Zia carries forward this tradition, producing exquisite handmade Zellige tiles that come in a diverse spectrum of colors and sizes, suitable for both homes and public spaces worldwide. Each handmade Zellige tile is a testament to the artisan's skill and creativity. Therefore, it's important to embrace the reasonable variation in color, texture, and edges. This diversity is an integral part of the tile's charm, making every installation a truly one-of-a-kind work of art.

The Journey of Zellige Creation

Embedded in tradition yet keeping pace with contemporary trends, our Zellige tiles are lovingly crafted by artisans with generational expertise. They rely on authentic raw materials to ensure the tiles possess enduring quality and timeless beauty.

Our artisans in Morocco commence their work with raw clay, carefully sourced from local hillsides. This clay undergoes a meticulous process. It is soaked in water, purified by filtering out impurities, and transformed into a pliable substance that can be molded into various shapes.

These molded pieces are then laid side by side and left to bask in the brilliant Moroccan sun, allowing them to dry naturally. The tiles are further shaped by hand, and the artistic touch continues as each piece is hand-dipped in glaze.

The final step in this intricate process involves placing the glazed tiles in an earthen kiln. Heat is distributed unevenly throughout the kiln, a vital element in achieving the stunning variation that characterizes Zellige tiles.