Photography by Will Adams | CovantNYC

During my recent journey through Senegal, West Africa, one of the most memorable stops on our four-city cultural tour was Thiès, a vibrant city internationally recognized for its extraordinary tapestry-making tradition. Home to the renowned Manufacture Sénégalaise des Arts Décoratifs (MSAD), Thiès has earned worldwide acclaim for producing some of Africa's most beautiful handwoven tapestries, admired by collectors, museums, governments, and world leaders alike.

View the complete Senegal photo gallery HERE.

The Artistic Legacy of Thiès, Senegal

Founded in 1966 under the leadership of Senegal's first president, Léopold Sédar Senghor, the Manufacture Sénégalaise des Arts Décoratifs was established to celebrate African creativity while fostering artistic collaboration across cultures. Today, Thiès continues to stand as one of the world's premier centers for handcrafted tapestry production.

Each tapestry begins as an original artwork submitted by artists from around the globe. Among those whose work has been transformed into magnificent woven masterpieces is celebrated African American sculptor and artist Melvin Edwards, whose contributions reflect the deep cultural connections between Africa and the African diaspora.

Walking through Thiès, visitors quickly discover that art is woven into the city's identity. Colorful tapestries decorate public buildings and cultural institutions, serving not only as stunning works of art but also as lasting symbols of international friendship, cultural pride, and artistic excellence.

A Remarkable Handcrafted Process

One of the most fascinating aspects of visiting the tapestry workshop is witnessing the incredible craftsmanship behind every piece.

Each design is meticulously drawn in reverse before being enlarged and divided into precise color-coded sections. This detailed pattern is then positioned behind the loom, allowing master weavers to recreate every brushstroke using thread rather than paint.

Working entirely on traditional manual looms, two highly skilled artisans typically complete only one square meter of tapestry each month. To preserve their rarity and artistic value, only eight tapestries are ever produced from each original design, making every completed work an exclusive collector's piece.

The patience, precision, and dedication required demonstrate why these tapestries are regarded as some of the finest examples of textile art in the world.

Senegal's Gift to the World

Because of their exceptional quality and cultural significance, the tapestries produced in Thiès are among Senegal's most prestigious diplomatic gifts.

These remarkable works of art have been presented to distinguished foreign leaders, international institutions, and cultural organizations throughout the world. Today, they can be found displayed in iconic locations including:

• The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Buckingham Palace in London
• Government buildings, museums, and embassies across multiple continents

Former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush are among the distinguished recipients of these extraordinary tapestries, highlighting Senegal's longstanding commitment to sharing its artistic heritage on the global stage.

A New Perspective on Africa

One unexpected lesson from my travels throughout Senegal had nothing to do with photography—it was geography.

Like many people educated outside Africa, I had never fully appreciated the continent's immense size. Viewing a map illustrating the true scale of Africa compared to North America, Europe, China, India, and other regions was genuinely eye-opening.

Africa is not only the birthplace of humanity and home to remarkable cultural diversity—it is also one of the largest landmasses on Earth. Experiencing Senegal firsthand reinforced how rich the continent is in history, innovation, artistry, and hospitality, often challenging perceptions shaped by traditional world maps.

Experience Senegal Through CovantNYC

Travel has a unique ability to deepen our understanding of people, cultures, and history. My visit to Thiès offered far more than beautiful photographs—it provided an appreciation for generations of artisans whose craftsmanship continues to preserve Senegal's cultural identity while inspiring audiences around the world.

At CovantNYC, we believe photography should do more than document a destination; it should tell meaningful stories that connect people across cultures. Through our travel photography, cultural journalism, and visual storytelling, we invite you to discover remarkable places like Thiès and experience the beauty, artistry, and heritage that make Senegal one of Africa's most inspiring destinations.