How it's made & Installed
A timeless process passed down through generations, preserving the soul of Moroccan heritage in every tile.
Clay Preparation
It all begins with the earth. Our clay is sourced from the Fez region, known for its pale, malleable quality. Once harvested, it is soaked in water tanks for days until it achieves a smooth, workable consistency, free of impurities.
Sun Drying & Initial Firing
The prepared clay is flattened by hand into consistent squares and left to dry under the Moroccan sun. Once dry, these tiles are fired in traditional wood-burning kilns, giving them their initial durability.
Glazing & Second Firing
Artisans apply natural mineral glazes to the surface of the tiles. These can range from vibrant emerald greens to deep cobalts. A second firing fuses the glaze to the clay, creating the rich, glossy finish characteristic of authentic Zellij.
The Art of Menqach
This is the most crucial step. Master craftsmen (Maâlems) use a sharp hammer-chisel called a 'Menqach' to hand-cut each geometric shape from the glazed tile. This requires immense precision and years of training.
Assembly & Finishing
Finally, the individual tesserae are placed face-down in a master pattern. A cement mixture is poured over the back to bind them together. Once set, the panel is flipped to reveal the stunning, cohesive mosaic design.
Watch the Process
See the hands of the masters at work.