Craftspeople in southwest China's Yunnan Province have turned "Wamao," a cat-shaped clay figurine recognized as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage item, into creative modern ornaments from traditional rooftop decorations, sparking a cultural revival marked by surging sales and strong youth appeal.
Widely recognized by its round mouth and perched atop roof tiles, Wamao stands as Yunnan's distinctive cultural emblem. For centuries, this traditional rooftop guardian has evolved by incorporating diverse local ethnic elements, evolving into a rich variety of cat figures.
"With its feet on the roof tile, Wamao stays close to home, guarding our family and household. Its wide-open mouth draws wealth from all directions, while the 'Wang' character on its forehead conveys the tiger's authority and deterrence," said Li Qiongxian, head of a Wamao ceramics training center in Kunming, capital of Yunnan.
However, as houses made of gray bricks and tile have been largely replaced by modern concrete structures, Wamao, in their original role as architectural components, have seen a decline in practical use.
This trend reversed in 2023 when Wamao was listed as a Yunnan provincial-level intangible cultural heritage item, sparking a revival. Since then, a new generation of inheritors and cultural studios have begun creatively reinterpreting its form and innovating its new applications.
"It can be used as a fridge magnet. It is detachable to serve as either a ceramic ornament or a memo holder. With its adorable design and auspicious symbolism, Wamao not only represents our local culture but also stands as Yunnan's intangible cultural heritage," said Tang Jiawen, head of a cultural and creative brand.
"This piece is particularly intriguing. It resembles a Wamao from one side but can be flipped over to transform into a cup for tea or coffee. The range of Wamao variations has also expanded to include crocheted versions, which can only be crafted by young people," said Hong Haibo, curator of the Wamao Museum in Panlong District of Kunming.
Today, stores selling Wamao-themed cultural souvenirs are found across Yunnan. A Wamao museum alone has witnessed remarkable growth in its derivative product sales, which surged from just over 1,000 items in 2023 to more than 10,000 in 2024, and its sales have already exceeded 20,000 so far this year.
The product range has also expanded from several dozen traditional clay figurines to over 160 cultural and creative designs.
"Since it's a tourist city, we certainly hope to encounter unique items. Therefore, Wamao embodies both the distinctive local cultural symbols, and a unique design. It is commendable for its pursuit of innovation and resonance with young people," said Peng Shiyun, a visitor from Shanghai.
The remarkable adaptability of Wamao has also drawn an increasing number of young people to craft their own personalized versions.
"The growing interest in Wamao among young people is something we never anticipated. They deeply focus on their inner selves and pour their emotional experiences into their creations. As a result, Wamao has found its way into our daily life, instead of simply staying on old rooftops, making its applications broader than ever," Hong said.
Traditional cat-shaped roof figurines turn into everyday ornaments
Traditional cat-shaped roof figurines turn into everyday ornaments
