Proto-majolica is not one, but a group, of tin-glazed wares made in Sicily and southern Italy from shortly before 1200 to the 15th century. Although the available information is extremely uneven, it is possible to recognize several local products: Gela ware in Sicily, north Apulian wares, and son on. The appearance of majolica in southern Italy coincided with the importation of tin-glazed pottery from North Africa; it is suggested that the origin of proto majolica lies in part at least in the Maghreb. -- AATA