Inspiration through material
A centuries-old Moroccan skill dating back to the 10th century is practised by the Aït Manos craftsmen: zellige. As a decorative feature in its own right in this culture, it has gradually been exported, taking over interiors from kitchens to bathrooms, as well as outdoor spaces. Its material identity is that of a terracotta ceramic tile worked in a wide variety of motifs that have been handed down over the centuries. The work carried out by Aït Manos, founded by Ghalia Sebti and Tawfik Bennani, applies of these codes while breathing new life into them by developing a more diversified and contemporary aesthetic, affirming the place of zellige in today’s decorative arts.
The work on material in the company’s workshops is based entirely on respect for traditional methods. For example, 70 mâalems are responsible for cutting and assembling the mosaic pieces made from clay, an eco-responsible material combining earth, water and fire. The tradition encounters a contemporary approach to design. In the Aït Manos offices, the designers develop a wide variety of collections and motifs to meet the growing demand for this art form in the interior design market. As the production chain is mastered from A to Z, custom orders are also part of the possibilities offered by the brand, which produces a large number of customised designs. “Aït Manos’s innovation also lies in its practicality. Our Zellige is delivered in the form of pre-assembled panels, making it as easy to lay as a traditional covering, and can be handled by any qualified tiler.
In 2024, Aït Manos joined forces with Todobarro to create a new collection rethinking contemporary zellige. Since its creation, this Spanish company has specialised in the design and handmade production of terracotta and glazed tiles. The Mediterránea collection is the result of a meeting between two cultures and two worlds. “Together, todobarro and Aït Manos have created a collection of innovative zellige designs that combine tradition and modernity, while preserving the artisanal authenticity of each piece, all made entirelyèby hand. The collaboration aims to celebrate the shared history between Spain and Morocco. Led by todobarro’s visionary designers – Damián López, from the studio Leblume, and Carlos Jiménez – and the talented founders of Aït Manos, the Mediterránea collection places the Mediterranea, sea at its centre.” A total of six designs with infinite possibilities have emerged from this collaboration, their geometry inspired both by the vernacular motifs of Morocco and Andalusia, and by the materials used in the lifestyles of these two lands’ inhabitants. For example, the terracotta tiles feature motifs of plants and natural fibres such as linen, rattan, reeds and pine trees. Endless sources of inspiration, these two regions have also inspired the designers to turn to the Alboran Sea, or to the motifs specific to leather craftsmen, resulting in a versatile and plural collection. •
