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Zellige is kind of art which is typically Moroccan. It relies on the
first place, on burnt soil that is colored. It is of paramount
importance in the architecture of palaces and monuments
Zellige is in the first place an artistic product
of a modest origine and arranged by the great ability of the maalem. In
fact, it has to do with little squares of 10 x 10 cm made of burnt soil
and covered with dye (colorings). These squares are manually sized
using heavy hammers( MENQACH).
Which are totally in contrast with the soft
object obtained. As a second step, these pieces compose a motif which is
in total harmony with the traditional traced regulations of the Islamic
arts.
A mosaic…? Surely not, but outstanding little
ornaments well placed together taking into consideration the diversity
of their size and color.
It is an extremely beautiful and incredible piece
of art on the wall that it covers or the gate that decorates. In
addition to the palaces and houses it haunts.
In fact, all that the maalem of Zellige needs is:
gypsum, hands and feet, sun, a piece of wood, Oven (traditional),
mineral colorings, a big hammer and o lot of personal knowledge and
ability to perform the task.
Zellige is typically artisan's work which is
impossible to fulfill wing machines because the combination of its
simple ornaments provides a variety of endless (infinite) of drawings
and shapes.
On the basis of a whole drawing, the maalem of
Zellige, so as to perform the task, deals with about 300 models, thanks
to the arrangement of the colors and shapes of the whole motif.
This task of Zellige is necessarily done is group
works in which every member is specialized in tracing, splitting
(cutting) and of course gathering …. Etc.
The striking paint in every moment we watch a
Moroccan artisan at work, be it in big project or in their daily
workshops inside the medina, is the contrast between the artistic
arrangement Fulfilled and the kind of the raw material used. It is
totally simple and recycled, in addition to the tools that are
traditionally made of already used objects. This perfect material
simplicity is in complete harmony with the perfect techniques brought to
the zenith through long centuries of practice. Everything relies on the
knowledge of the matter which is gained through tough and long lasting
learning processes.
This job, including the secret of learning and
acquiring in workshops which takes place at the early stages of a
child's life, is traditionally transmitted from father to son, master to
pupils. First, the beginner starts performing the simplest tasks
relying on his observation of the activity that is taking place around
him. Second, He witnesses gradually and progressively all the steps of
the job beginning from the valueless to the most valuable. After that,
he becomes a real maalem, a commander of great experience who is in
charge of a number of workers.
He knows perfectly their work which is out of his
own personal experience. Those, who I met are all glad people, fond of
their deeds and at ease in their job because they are all well
experienced people.
The only disadvantage that confronts this
traditional mode of learning this job is the lack of scholastic access
for these workers and the adaptation possibilities to their work, taking
into consideration the great transformations (changes) that our society
undergoes.
Therefore, the maalems have never been to school and can only speak one language.
However, these limits don't hinder them to be
effective and influential figures of the Moroccan society and own a
local political power as well.
Zellige is used, in the first place, to protect
the wall to a man's height and its drawings are essentially geometrical.
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The Moroccan Maalems of Zellige are not afraid to
show their recipes to the public for the simple reason that material
(raw material), tools, and the way to prepare them are of no value while
you lack these splitting techniques which are particular.
They need a great deal of practice with a lot of examples and experience.
The brilliant geometrical galaxies of different colors placed in the wall, floors…etc
Palaces, medersas, mosques or muse that dress the fountains of the medina all come from the soil.