There are records of Madeira tapestries since the eighteenth century. However, only when the German artist Herbert Kiekeben settled in Madeira in 1938, it turned an isolated work into an activity with economic expression.
From still lifes and painted works of art, have been produced elaborate tapestries. Even today, most of these works sold in Madeira are inspired by famous paintings and do not have original themes. But from a weaving technique point of view, they are notable works including rugs, covers chairs, bags or pads.