Alfarje (meaning "paneled ceiling" in Spanish) is a type of horizontal wooden ceiling primarily found in Islamic (or Moorish) architecture [1] and Mudéjar architecture. [2] The word derives from Andalusi Arabic al-farsh, meaning "bed", related to Classical Arabic farsh (فرش), meaning "tapestry". [3] The ceiling structure is made through a series of beams called girders, sometimes intricately carved and stylized with geometric patterns. [4] Typically, such ceilings are employed when they support a floor above that can be walked on. [5]
One decorative technique that creates geometric patterns by nailing and interlacing pieces of wood onto a flat ceiling is known as ataujía in Spanish (adjective form: ataujerado/ataujerada). Examples of such ornamental ceilings are found in the Alhambra of Granada, and the same technique is also found in other types of woodwork from the same period. [6] [7] [8]
Other notable buildings that have alfarje ceilings include the Alcázar of Seville, [2] the Mosque of Cordoba, the Church of San Millán in Segovia, and the Aljafería Palace of Zaragoza.[ citation needed] It is also found in the ceilings of many convents and churches in central Mexico, where the influence of the Spanish Mudéjar style is apparent. [2]
Alfarje (meaning "paneled ceiling" in Spanish) is a type of horizontal wooden ceiling primarily found in Islamic (or Moorish) architecture [1] and Mudéjar architecture. [2] The word derives from Andalusi Arabic al-farsh, meaning "bed", related to Classical Arabic farsh (فرش), meaning "tapestry". [3] The ceiling structure is made through a series of beams called girders, sometimes intricately carved and stylized with geometric patterns. [4] Typically, such ceilings are employed when they support a floor above that can be walked on. [5]
One decorative technique that creates geometric patterns by nailing and interlacing pieces of wood onto a flat ceiling is known as ataujía in Spanish (adjective form: ataujerado/ataujerada). Examples of such ornamental ceilings are found in the Alhambra of Granada, and the same technique is also found in other types of woodwork from the same period. [6] [7] [8]
Other notable buildings that have alfarje ceilings include the Alcázar of Seville, [2] the Mosque of Cordoba, the Church of San Millán in Segovia, and the Aljafería Palace of Zaragoza.[ citation needed] It is also found in the ceilings of many convents and churches in central Mexico, where the influence of the Spanish Mudéjar style is apparent. [2]