Definition: Zaliche tiles are a traditional Moroccan art form made from clay and water.
Cost:
Zaliche Tiles: Approximately $50 per square foot.
Ceramic Subway Tiles: Around $0.15 per square foot.
Artisan Skill: Requires skilled artisans to create each tile by hand.
Example: Ahmed Almagari has been crafting Zaliche tiles for 54 years.
Unique Features of Zaliche Tiles
Imperfection: Unlike perfect tiles, the unique imperfections of Zaliche tiles contribute to their charm.
Tradition: Artisans in Morocco have hand-made these tiles for centuries, particularly in the city of Fez.
Making of Zaliche Tiles
Step 1: Preparing the Clay
Materials: Fez has high-quality rocks for clay production.
Process:
Rocks are placed in a pit (zuba) with water to soften.
Kneading the clay by hand and foot to enhance malleability.
Step 2: Molding the Tiles
Molding: Clay is shaped into tiles using molds.
Drying: Tiles are left to dry under the sun.
Step 3: Cutting and Chiseling
Cutting: Clay is cut into pieces to remove air bubbles, preventing breakage later.
Chiseling: Requires focus and precision; artisans use a tool called menkaush (combination of hammer and axe).
Unique feature: No two tiles are identical due to hand chisel method.
Step 4: Glazing and Firing
Glazing: Tiles are glazed and fired a second time.
Color Variation: Traditional kilns cause slight color differences due to uneven heat distribution.
Step 5: Final Assembly
Design Creation: Designs are first made on a computer, then assembled on the floor by hand.
Price Factors:
Number of pieces and complexity of shapes dictate cost.
Smaller and intricate designs are more expensive.
Historical Context and Modern Influence
Historical Significance: Originally reserved for royal palaces, now a staple of Moroccan design.
Global Demand: Increased interest in the U.S. for Zaliche tiles in modern design projects, often used for monochromatic backsplashes.
Challenges in Preservation of the Craft
A Dying Tradition: Difficulty in finding young artisans willing to learn the craft.
Quality of Work: Emphasis on the importance of patience and skill in creating high-quality tiles.
Continuing Legacy: The future of Zaliche tiles depends on training new artisans like Ahmed.
Conclusion
Significance of Artisanship: The quality of Zaliche tiles is directly linked to the artisans making them, highlighting the importance of preserving this traditional craft.