Moroccan tile is fast becoming a fashionable decorative statement in the home, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.

The tiles are made and imported from Morocco. The Moroccan tile is part of the rich history of Moroccan ceramics that has flourished in the country for hundreds of years.

The glazing technique has been in use also for centuries. The Moroccan tile is made from organic clay and natural color pigments, and is hand painted. The imported tiles are usually adapted by pre-assembly for easy installation. (Otherwise, you may have to import a master craftsman from Morocco to hand-install the tiles!)

The mosaic design of the Moroccan tile is naturally attractive. The motifs carry on from the old traditions. The geometric motif is from the Moorish, or Islamic, influence where strictly the use of images or depictions of people or animals is prohibited.

The traditional Islamic geometric designs look perfect to the naked eye. But in order to show that nothing in this world can be perfect, but only God can be perfect, there is traditionally always an intentional hidden flaw in the design.

The elaborately crafted designs, also called Arabesque mosaics, have an almost hidden mathematical formulation; mathematics was a science in which the Arabs excelled.

Many imported Moroccan tiles are made in factories in Fez.

Fez has long been one of the great centres of Moroccan ceramics and pottery. It is interesting to note that while the use of glazing and enamels date back to the 8th century, it was in the 15th century that the art truly flourished in Morocco. Skilled Moorish artisans fled Spain and settled in various cities and towns in Morocco, resumed and further developed their skills and craftsmanship.

Zellige was a form of art that had flourished in Spain after the Moorish conquest, and was the result of the new ceramic techniques introduced to Spain by the Moors.

Zellige uses a clay-based ceramic, covered with enamel. The pieces are then set into plaster. It is an art form passed on by master craftsmen down the generations. An apprentice would start as a child and go through years of training.

The Moors invaded Spain in 711 and waged a campaign for eight years. Their rule lasted over 700 years. When Spain was restored to Christian control the Moors and the Jews who had settled in Spain were then given a choice: convert to Christianity or leave Spain with their assets seized. Many did not submit to forced conversion and left for the shores of Northern Africa. However, even the descendants of those who did stay and convert were later expelled during the height of the Inquisition.

But that's another story.