A unique image of an animal made of tile can be found on house roofs in such places as Kunming，Chenggong，Yuxi，Chuxiong and Dali in Yunnan Province.It proudly stands under the blue sky and white clouds，eyes glaring ferociously.The tile cat is a peerless mascot of Yunnan Province，believed to buttress the vital energy of the residence，dispel evil spirits and generate happiness.
Great attention is paid to decorating the roofs of traditional houses in China.Apart from satisfying the aesthetic needs of people，the more important role is to drive away evils and to preserve peace and tranquility.As far back as 2，000 years ago，the ancients installed models of a legendary animal called chiwei on roof ridges.Chiwei is known today as a whale，which is capable of spouting water，and installing it on roofs implied that it could prevent fires and wipe out calamities.Later，a fish or a dragon tail was frequently installed，with the same implication.In addition to the fish and dragon，the images of many auspicious beasts were placed on rooftops.
The tile cat，also named“ridge-guarding tiger，”is usually placed in the center of the roof ridge.It gets its name because it looks like a domestic cat.The original form of the tile cat was a tiger and the original meaning was a ghost-eating tiger，with the pattern“王”(“king”)on the forehead，and its forefeet held a disk with the Eight Diagrams.During the Qin and Han dynasties the tiger was carved on peachwood board with the door guards，waiting to devour demons.During the Sui and Tang dynasties the tile cat was“promoted”to the roof ridge to undertake the tasks alone.The people of Yunnan have a deep belief in the secret role of the tile cat.When they“invite”a tile cat they kill a rooster and sprinkle its blood on the tile cat’s head to give it life.
Most of the tile cats are baked pottery made of local material.Normally the artist hand-molds processed clay in a preformed impression and bakes it in a kiln in order to get a simple，elegant tile cat.Its poses include standing，squatting or sitting，the molds varying in specific images.The bodies，made in the suburbs of Kunming and Yuxi，are cylindrical and composed of two ridge tiles.Their eyes，noses and whiskers are inlaid with clay.Its tail is stuck close to its back and the forefeet hold the Eight Diagrams.The tile cat of Qujing Prefecture has an insect-like body when viewed from one side and its whiskers are like sharp thorns.The tile cat of Bai ethnic group of Dali has an ancient simplicity about it.It is thickset with a large，fierce mouth，but without the Eight Diagrams or the Great Ultimate.The tile cat of Heqing has an extremely exaggerated form and is awe-inspiring.Some have large heads and are lovely，and others are thin and ferocious.Some are like innocent children；some look like bearded sorcerers.
Tile cats are widely in fashion in Kunming，Chenggong， Yuxi， Chuxiong， Dali and Wenshan of Yunnan Province， forming a unique custom in the province.
Many craftsmen make bricks and tiles，as well as tile cats from generation to generation in the region.With development of the tourism industry in Yunnan，the tile cats—decorative articles that integrate a strong farming culture，rich religious culture，architectural decoration and folk art into a whole—have become a toy and a collector’s item.Some people buy them as souvenirs or gifts to friends and relatives.
