Socarrat of Paterna

Unlike the tiles, the “socarrat” are not covered with glaze. They are simple tiles of painted and glazed clay, like large bricks used to decorate wooden roofs, both flat roofs and gabled trusses, replacing the “tablazones” (lining boards), placed between the beams, between the joists (flat roofs) or pairs (trusses).In the present case, the painting of the socarrat represents an eagle with open wings that occupies the central area of the piece and around it, as a background, there is a decoration with a vegetal theme, with stylized palms, circles and stars, all resolved with a quick stroke. In the center of the eagle is the old coat of arms of Paterna, stamped with fresh clay, identifying the center of production of the piece. Bibliography:Martínez Caviró, Balbina: Cerámica Hispanomusulmana, andalusí y mudéjar. Madrid, El Viso, 1991, pp. 216-219.