90后青年匠人 让镇宅神兽从屋顶走入“心房”
Young inheritor revives ancient guardian cat craft in SW China

瓦猫，是云南民间安装在屋脊或门楣处的一种传统民间装饰。它融合了实用功能与民俗信仰，用于吞食四方邪祟，护佑家宅安宁。2023年，瓦猫被列入云南省第五批省级非物质文化遗产代表性项目名录。

Wamao, a cat-shaped pottery artifact originating in Yunnan, combines practical design with folk beliefs. Traditionally mounted on eaves or lintels, it was believed to drive away evil spirits and bring peace to the household. In 2023, Wamao was listed as one of Yunnan's provincial intangible cultural heritage items.

2012年，在艺术课堂上初识瓦猫的张航被其自由、奔放的艺术形式所吸引。

Zhang first encountered Wamao in 2012, when he was studying folk art design at Yunnan Arts University. "I was drawn to its expressive artistic form," Zhang said.

自那时起，钻进老城区的市集、工地，寻找瓦猫的踪迹，便成了他生活中的重要内容。

Since then, searching for old Wamao has become part of his daily life. He has wandered through old city markets and construction sites, chasing traces of the clay guardians.

2019年，他创立了“心房瓦猫博物馆”，开展瓦猫制作、非遗体验、瓦猫安放仪式、传统村落游学等活动。

In 2019, Zhang founded the Wamao museum to promote the craft through exhibitions, hands-on classes, and cultural tours. Visitors can take part in Wamao-making workshops, Wamao placement ceremonies, and field trips to traditional villages.

揉陶筑首，搓土成身；阴干定型，入窑烧制。工作间内，张航尝试调整瓦猫姿态、改变头身比例，思索在旧工艺上创造新表达。“瓦猫的肚腩要留空，口尾相通，保留‘吞进不好的、排出有益的’寓意，让新瓦猫依然肩负传统的使命。”

In his studio, Zhang mixes clay, shapes the cat's head and body, and then fires it in a kiln after drying. The belly of the cat is left hollow, with its mouth and tail connected, symbolizing the idea of "swallowing evil and releasing blessings." Zhang said the true challenge lies in merging tradition with innovation. "The goal is to help this ancient craft find new meaning in modern society."  

“当老屋倒下，旧时的屋脊或已不复存在。让瓦猫跃上‘心房’，走入人心，便是我的答案。”张航说。

"As old houses crumble, I hope the chamber of my heart will serve as a new home for Wamao," he said.