From the gates of Meknes and the Grand Mosque in Tangiers to the ceilings of Bahia Place and the ruins of Volubilis, you will easily spot traditional zillij tile work throughout Moroccan architecture. Zillij is a unique form of mosaic art that has been practiced in Morocco since the tenth century, and these intricate tiling patterns cover the walls, columns and fountains throughout Morocco’s imperial cities.
Mosaic is the art of creating images from small pieces of glass or stone. In zillij, artisans mold local clay into small slabs and then these are dried in the sun, painted and fired. Artisans chisel the zillij tile into a precise geometric shape and then hundreds and thousands of these tiles are arranged together to form a single work of art. This piece of art is then incorporated into a building’s structure to dazzle the eye with its intricate design, array of colors and complex patterns. Zillij is seen as ornamental decorations in mosques, royal buildings, schools, historic sites and homes of the very wealthy.
Zilliji is an Islamic art and is unique when compared to other styles of mosaic. Since Islamic culture discourages the creation of representational art, Moroccan mosaics typically consist of geometric shapes and patterns rather than the portraits or landscapes characteristic of other popular forms of mosaic. Zillij arose from the need to create art that inspired meditation, reflection and faith but also fit the confines of Islamic law. Muslims celebrate art through patterns and complex geometric shapes, which can also be seen in Moroccan textiles and ceramics.
Today, you can see zillij artisans in action in the cultural hotspots of Fez and Marrakesh. The Moroccan government values the zillij tradition and is actively commissioning zillij artisans to decorate public buildings and mosques throughout Morocco. Learning the art of zillij is a lifelong endeavor; it takes years to learn this complex and beautiful craft.
You can easily find a piece of zillij artistry to take home with you. Shops in Fez and Marrakesh frequently carry zillij picture frames, mirrors and small tiles. If you’re lucky, you will be able to see the craftsperson shaping and glazing tiles right in the shop’s workspace. Many consider the blue and white zillij of Fez to be the finest works or Morrocoan artisans, but these pieces come with a price. Price is highly dependent on the quality of craftsmanship, but like all shopping in Morocco, you are expected to bargain for your price.
Written by Amiee Maxwell.
Photo by blueSkySunHigh.
