Organised by the Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao), the 12th Cultural Week of China and Portuguese-speaking Countries – through its online platform – showcases work from China and the Portuguese-speaking Countries and regions, representing the crafts, ingenuity and creative mastery of the artists.

Imbued with a spirit of ingenuity, artists from Mainland China, the Portuguese-speaking Countries and regions, and Macao have created a variety of work. They include: wood sculptures from, respectively, Angola, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Príncipe. The sculpture from Angola is called “The Thinker”, and is inspired by the idea of people looking within, for spiritual guidance. The Guinean sculpture captures the characteristics of the faces and shapes of that nation’s people. The images contained within the piece, convey simultaneously the feelings of overcoming something, of affection and of confrontation. The Mozambican sculpture, an abstract work, reflects the artistic flair of that nation, and it represents emotions as shapes and colours. A mask sculpture from São Tomé and Príncipe uses the wood of the cedar tree and represents a manifestation of a traditional African style.

Other work showcased at the event includes Brazilian patchwork art that reflects its creator’s enthusiasm. In her own words: “I love what I do. And I dedicate myself to developing a better design with a good finish in each piece.” 

A shoemaker from Cabo Verde shows their handmade sandals that are environment-friendly, fashionable and comfortable, and make use of African materials such as snail shells; as well as nappa and other types of leather; lace; and also recyclable plastic. The artists from Shandong Province in Mainland China, showcase their “Shadow Theatre” work and “Lu Embroidery”, which respectively represent the traditional craftsmanship of Jinan artisans, and are listed as part of China’s intangible cultural heritage.

A designer of jewellery from Portugal presents the exquisite style of laminated threads used to make filigree pieces; while a Timorese artisan showcases the country’s traditional textile art called “tais”. The artist from Goa, Damão e Diu, displays handicraft pieces made of seashells; and the Macao artisan displays pieces using a paper-cutting art called “Batê Saia”.

Starting from October 22, video recordings of their craftsmanship can be viewed and enjoyed via the 12th Cultural Week of China and Portuguese-speaking Countries’ website (semanacultural.forumchinaplp.org.mo). Come and enjoy the refinement of the artefacts and cultures of China and of the Portuguese-speaking Countries and regions.