This gift is a mosaic created in Morocco. Completed in the Andalusian style of the 12th Century, the mosaic panel measures 15'8" high x 8'2" wide and was composed entirely by hand by an artist in Fez.  
 
Morocco is well-known for its mosaic tile techniques. This craft began as early as the Neolithic period and it is estimated that early pottery appeared around 814 CE. Their style is influenced by many cultural areas and is defined by bright colors, and complex geometric designs. An ancient Moroccan pottery tradition, zillij, dates back hundreds of years and is used to make hand-cut ceramic tiles. Very early in the craft, thousands of potters skilled in glazing methods came to Fez from Cordoba, Spain. In modern Fez, ceramics and pottery can be seen in building façades, sidewalks, and lobbies. Today, Fez is a major center for ceramic production and is well-known for its blue pottery. 
 
This mosaic has three inscriptions. The inscription on the wood frame comes from the Koran and says," Oh, mankind! We created you from a male and female and made you into nations and tribes, that we may know each other. The most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” The mosaic’s green portion has inscribed in Arabic the Preamble of the United Nations Charter and the red circle inscription reads in Arabic "Charter of the United Nations." 

The gift was presented by the King of Morocco, His Majesty Hassan II (1929 – 1999) to the United Nations on 3 April 1963. The gift was accepted by Secretary-General U Thant, who expressed gratitude to the government and people of Morocco for the panel.  
 
King Hassan said, “It’s a privilege and honour for me to represent my country and my people here today in the inauguration of this mosaic dedicated to the United Nations by Morocco.”