Tagines

Tagines were traditionally used by moroccan nomads as portable ovens over charcoal braziers, a tagine is made from glazed earthenware (clay) with a conical lid. The base is both a cooking and serving dish. The cone shaped cover acts like an oven and the entire lid is totally sealed to retain heat and moisture, which not only prevents it from drying out during the long cooking process, but also allows the slow infusion of flavors throughout the dish. The lid has an extended knob at the top which is designed to remain cooler and thereby act as a handle.
Tagines come in a large variety of shapes sizes and colors and nowadays are used as much for decor as cooking.