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Moroccan Mosaic

Zellige is a form of mosaic tile work found in Islamic art. Students will explore its origin and styles and create an original mosaic out of Model Magic.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

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  • Heavy Paper

Steps

  • Step 1

    Zellige (also spelled zillij or zellij) is a traditional Islamic artform that is particularly prominent in Moroccan architecture. The word "zellige" is derived from the Arabic word "al zulaycha" which means "little polished stone." Have students explore its origin, which dates back to at least the 10th century, and how pieces are created. What material is primarily used? What are some of the traditional patterns? Have them look at images of zellige and some of the places it's displayed, such as at the Royal Palace of Rabat in Morocco, the Mahkama du Pacha in Casablanca, Morocco; the Alcázar of Seville in Spain; or the Alhambra in Granada, Spain.

  • Step 2

    Ask students to work in pairs or small groups and create a mosaic. Encourage them to look at traditional patterns for inspiration. To make the tiles they can use pieces of leftover Model Magic (fine to use what is too stiff for other modeling) to fashion small tiles. Have them lay out the tiles on a flat surface to dry fully.

  • Step 3

    While the tiles are drying, have the student groups each write a brief paragraph about zellige and the pattern they used. Then have them glue the tiles onto heavy paper or recycled cardboard using a mosaic pattern that is inspired by the research. Display the paragraphs with the teams' mosaics.

Standards

ARTS: Speculate about processes an artist uses to create a work of art.

SS: Culture: Create, learn, share, and adapt to culture.

Adaptations

Have students explore Moroccan architecture, which is influenced by Moorish (or western Islamic), north African Amazigh (Berber) and European (especially Spanish and Portuguese) styles.

Have students learn about some mosaic artists and look at examples of their work. Suggestions might include Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926), Marc Chagall (1887-1985), and Sonia King (b. 1953).