On this page and the pages to follow, representative samples of traditional floor tile patterns are presented.
This work is taken from Riwaq's Revival of the Use of Traditional Floor Tiles project. The objective of this project is twofold. On the one hand it aims at artistically documenting the numerous tile designs that were once predominant in Palestine. On the other hand it aims at exploring the feasibility of reproducing these tiles. These tiles, such as the ones which form the background to this page and which were extensively used, are sadly no longer produced.
For decades, Palestinians, mainly in the cities, used to adorn the exterior as well as the interiors of their buildings. This grand ornamentation was not only beautiful but also prestigious. Craftsman used a wide variety of decorated (carved) columns, arches, lintels, window and door frames. Coloured floor tiles had a complimentary effect. In many cases, the floor of each room of a building had its own unique pattern.
RIWAQ wishes to express its gratitude to the following individuals who participated in the documentation of the old floor tile patterns:
Hussam Naser (Project Coordinator); Lena Sobh (Tracer); Solana Nimats (Painter); Lama Shamia, Ghada Khalaf and Du'a Wadi (Pattern Tracers - Ramallah Area); and Salaam Rihan, Sana' Birawi and Hania Masoud (Pattern Tracers - Nablus Area). RIWAQ would also like to thank Groupe Development for its partial sponsorship of this project.