Traditional Floor Tile Patterns

The tiles that adorn many traditional Maltese houses, are known for their bold colours and geometric designs. They were a feature of our houses for many years, and nowadays they have been incorporated in many modern designs. Such patterned tiles were introduced by the Ottomans and have been in use in the Mediterranean region since a long number of years. They are used to decorate palaces, mansions, humble homes and also commercial outlets. They were individually hand made of several layers from a mixture of sand, marble powder and at times also cement. The decorative layer is made of coloured metal oxides. Although these tiles are making a comeback, only a few local tile makers are producing them using the traditional method. The demand has encouraged many commercial tile brands to produce tiles inspired by these designs. This philatelic issue features 4 different patterns of Maltese floor tiles, ink drawn by local artist Stephanie Borg. She is a self-taught artist, graphic and surface pattern designer who has combined her keen understanding of colour and linear form to develop a series of pattern designs.