Aït Manos was founded in 1998 in Casablanca, Morocco, by entrepreneur Ghalia Sebti and her husband, artist Tawfik Bennani.
The name Aït Manos translates to “the tribe of the hands,” a reflection of the completely handcrafted process for creating these tiles. Each tile is handdrawn, hand-chiseled and hand-glazed by sixth- and seventh-generation specially trained mosaic artisans, called maâlems.
Design by Holly Gagne Interior Design, Photography by Jared Kuzia
The zellige style of ornamental mosaic tilework dates back to the 10th century and is considered one of the truest expressions of Moroccan culture. The process begins with fine-bodied Moroccan clay, which is placed within a mold, smoothed, sun-dried and fired. Each tile is then hand-dipped and hand-glazed, a process that creates its unique color variability. Once glazed and fired, the tiles are hand-cut and assembled into elaborate geometric patterns and motifs creating intricate mosaics.
More than an art form, zellige is an experience that celebrates and elevates imperfection. The subtle variations of tile color and texture create a sense of fluid motion as light reflects and glimmers off its uneven surface. Enduring yet ever-changing, zellige brings dimension and distinctiveness to any room.
Over the past decade, Ann Sacks has been honored to partner with Aït Manos, offering their exclusive collection of the finest zellige tile in the world.
Choose from our in-stock selections or draw from a vast array of custom patterns and glazes to design your own work of living art.
Design by Abby Hetherington Interiors, Photography by Lucy Call
