Wonders made of enamel and earth

Clay which is a component of the zellige is extracted in blocks. It is then immersed in the «zoubo» (kind of basin) for 24 hours during which time the ajjam (mixer) kneads the clay to make it smooth.
The squares are formed using a wooden frame mould and then they are dried in the sun. « No sun; no zelliges »says maalem Melouki.
And this is quite true Morocco was short of zelliges after a period of insufficient sunshine.

Once set, the squares are made smooth, cut and laid in the sun again to dry out completely. Zelliges are therefore made during the summer. After being baked a first time, the tiles are dipped into powdered enamel of various coleurs mixied with water and then backed a second time.
24 hours later, they can be cut. Before this operation, the craftsman draws the outline of each piece with a bamboo stick dipped in ink; using a frame mould as a guide . On each piece he will draw as many figures as possible.

The cutting of the zellige is the most delicate operation.

Leaning on a small bench, the craftsman uses a heavy hammer to cut the pieces in a regular movement. After being filed down, they are divided into baskets according to their shape and colour and transported to the work site.
The maalem has already prepared the job. On a perfectly even ground, he lays out a sample of his motif. This creation carried out the right side up (enamel side) will serve as a guide for the zellige layers to do their work.

The laying of the zelliges is on the wrong side: the en against the ground. This see mysterious and extremely skilful way of working to the uninitiated In fact, it is simpler than one think as each motif has a given colour. The laying is done according to each piece which, in the “feerragh’ s » mind, automatically determines the colour.
The maalem’s creativity sometimes demands technical prowess when the size of zelliges becomes minute and fine .Some small rosettes are made about 150 pieces that can fit into a match-box! The laying then takes place with the help of special plies as fine as tweezers.

Once the whole panel is up, the pieces are stuck together with plaster and cement, then covered with mortar the work is then complete. Turned onto the right s’ the coloured harmony ingenious structure of design spring to light, the panel is now ready to placed on a wall or decorate the sides of fountain. A who corporation of artists rat than craftsmen is no rewarded for their long hours of patience and meticulousness.
However, the true maalems, keepers of t secrets of the zellige show modesty a humility thus arousing profound admiration.