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Studio Notes ยท Folklore

From Yunnan Rooftops to WowCat

The Yunnan Wamao tile cat tradition behind Luna Angel Studio's future WowCat talismans and charms.

WowCat silver jewelry inspired by Yunnan Wamao tile cat guardians.
Wamao

A guardian from the rooftops of Yunnan.

On the rooftops and above the doorways of traditional houses in Yunnan, China, Wamao has watched over generations of families. The traditional figure is often inspired by the tiger, with wide-open eyes, an expressive mouth, prominent teeth, and an imaginative form.

Placed high upon the roof, Wamao was traditionally believed to protect the household, ward off misfortune, and invite peace and good fortune into the home.

WowCat

A small guardian that travels with the wearer.

WowCat reinterprets this rooftop guardian as contemporary silver jewelry, necklaces, and pendants. The Chinese word wa, meaning roof tile, echoes the English exclamation wow, connecting cultural origin with surprise, curiosity, and delight.