MAPChina"An Old Woman from Cyprus" by Antri PAFITI

Antri Pafiti is a woodcarver from Cyprus. From October 27 to November 1, 2025, the 16th "Yiding Cup" Woodcarving Skills Competition was held in Putian, China, where 40 woodcarving contestants from across the country reached the final. Antri Pafiti was invited as a guest demonstrator for the purpose of facilitating cross-culture dialogue and mutual learning through the universal language of art.

An Old Woman from Cyprus was created on site by Antri Pafiti. The artwork shows an old Cypriot woman sitting quietly and spinning wool with a traditional spindle called an adráchti. With calm and skillful hands, she twists the wool into thread – the first step in making cloth. Through this simple and peaceful moment, the artwork honors the strength, wisdom, and tradition of Cyprus – a connection between the past and the present. The spindle was a symbol of patience, creativity, and daily life for women in the Cypriot countryside. It was not only a tool for work, but also a part of their stories, songs, and memories.