The capital of Senegal, Dakar, is hosting an exhibition of ancient Chinese clothing culture, featuring copies of Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) outfits from the collection of the Shandong Museum in east China.

The students of the Confucius Institute at Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar introduced the traditional attire of China, presenting to the visitors a glimpse of the rich culture in it.

Alongside Chinese costumes, traditional Senegalese, Malian, Ghanaians and other West African props are showcased, demonstrating the difference and the vitality of innovation in Chinese and African clothing cultures.

For the first time, Senegalese Minister of Culture, Handicrafts and Tourism Alpha Thiam said he had seen Chinese clothing in movies or elsewhere before, but today he really understood the meaning behind it.

He noted that the exhibition opens a space of exchange, interaction and meeting between the people of Senegal and China, allowing them to learn about each other’s textile civilisations and exchange their clothing cultures.

The exhibition is in the context of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, said Chinese Ambassador to Senegal Li Zhigang, and it is another vivid example of exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and African civilisations.

“It also shows how China-Senegal relations facilitate mutual understanding between the two peoples and the translation of dialogue between civilisations into action, ” Li said.

A 25-year-old student from Cheikh Anta Diop University, Malick Faye, displayed traditional Chinese attire to locals.

“The exhibition is attractive and informative, and can enhance the Senegalese people’s understanding of traditional Chinese clothing and Chinese culture, ” he said.

The show, which was unveiled Wednesday, is to be exhibited for three weeks.