Tile making has long played an important role in the development of Afghan art and architecture. The origins of this important craft date back to the first millennium CE and the same production techniques and basic designs of flowers, scrolls and lettering were still in use during the pre-war period. The design is made on paper and coloured pieces of glazed tile are chipped with a hammer to make the small pieces, which are then inserted into the larger tiles to complete the pattern. Glass is smashed to make a glaze and the tiles are fired. The tiles are then assembled in panels of the appropriate shape on a plaster backing and lifted into place on the relevant part of the building or area to be decorated.