Final answer:
Mosaics are artistic and architectural features made by arranging small colored tiles, stones, or glass to form patterns or images and are sealed with grout for durability. These durable creations have decorated walls, ceilings, and floors for centuries, with notable use in mosques to create intricate, non-figurative designs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mosaics have been an integral part of artistic expression and architecture for centuries. They are durable works of art created using small, colored pieces of tile, stone, or glass. These pieces are meticulously arranged to form intricate images and patterns on various surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and floors. Once artists glue these pieces onto the surface, they apply grout once the adhesive has dried, which acts as a sealer to hold the mosaics firmly in place and ensure their longevity. In historical contexts, mosaics were especially prominent in mosques, where they were used to create elaborate, flowing designs without the portrayal of living beings, adhering to religious guidelines.