Exhibition on ancient Chinese clothing culture opens in Senegal

Students from the Confucius Institute at Cheikh Anta Diop University try traditional Chinese costumes during an exhibition on ancient Chinese clothing culture at the Museum of Black Civilizations in Dakar, Senegal, July 29, 2026. (Xinhua/Qi Qi)

DAKAR, July 31 (Xinhua) -- An exhibition featuring ancient Chinese clothing culture has opened at the Museum of Black Civilizations in Dakar, the capital of Senegal, to showcase replicas of Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) costumes based on pieces from the collection of the Shandong Museum in east China.

Students from the Confucius Institute at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar presented traditional Chinese clothing, offering visitors insights into the rich culture reflected in ancient Chinese attire.

Traditional garments from Senegal, Mali, Ghana and other West African countries are displayed alongside Chinese costumes, highlighting the distinct heritage and vitality of innovation in Chinese and African clothing cultures.

"We have had opportunities to see Chinese clothing in films or at different places before. But today, we are able to understand its full significance and truly grasp the meaning behind it," said Senegalese Minister of Culture, Handicrafts and Tourism Alpha Thiam.

He said the exhibition provides an opportunity for the Senegalese and Chinese peoples to meet, learn about their textile civilizations and share their respective clothing cultures.

Chinese Ambassador to Senegal Li Zhigang said the exhibition, held within the framework of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, is another vivid example of exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and African civilizations.

It also demonstrates how China-Senegal interactions promote mutual understanding between the two peoples and translate dialogue between civilizations into concrete action, Li said.

Malick Faye, a 25-year-old student at Cheikh Anta Diop University, showcased traditional Chinese clothing to local visitors.

"This exhibition is both visually appealing and educational. It can help people in Senegal better understand traditional Chinese clothing and Chinese culture," he said.

The exhibition, which opened Wednesday, will run for three weeks. ■