The six-day Policromia Lusófona (Lusophone Polychromy*) handicraft exhibition was inaugurated yesterday by the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (PSCs), aka Forum Macao, at the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) Gallery, opposite the city’s main square, Largo do Senado, showcasing traditional crafts from Portuguese-speaking countries and regions as part of the 18th China and Portuguese-speaking Countries Cultural Week.
Running through July 5, the exhibition features handicrafts donated over the past two decades to Forum Macao, according to an information board at the entrance of the exhibition.
The collection consists of works from Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste, highlighting the cultural diversity shared through the Portuguese language.
Organised into four themed sections – textiles, musical instruments, sculptures and everyday objects – the exhibition presents handcrafted works that reflect each country’s history, traditions, and local environment.
Exhibitiongoers can view woven textiles made from natural fibres, ceremonial musical instruments, sculptures depicting cultural beliefs, and household items incorporating distinctive regional designs.
According to the message, while the Portuguese language connects communities across Europe, South America, Africa and Asia, handicrafts preserve the different cultural memories and identities of each society.
The message also noted that, despite increasing digitalisation, traditional craftsmanship continues to demonstrate the relationship between people, culture, and the natural environment.
With free admission, the exhibition is open daily (closed on Mondays) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the ground-floor gallery until Sunday night, inviting residents and visitors to explore the artistic traditions and shared cultural heritage of the PSCs through handcrafted works.
Stay tuned for an upcoming Page 4 photo feature about the exhibition.
* Polychromy refers to the art, practice, or effect of decorating surfaces – such as sculptures, architectural elements, and pottery – with a variety of vibrant colours. - Gemini
Secretary-General of Forum Macao’s Permanent Secretariat Ji Xianzheng addresses yesterday’s “Policromia Lusófona” opening ceremony at the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) Gallery on the city’s main thoroughfare, Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro. – Photo: Khalel Vallo
