WINDHOEK, 14 November 2025 - Khomas Regional Council Chairperson Shaalukeni John Moonde launching the Council’s Strategic Plan for 2025/2026–2029/2030. (Photo by: Andreas Thomas) NAMPA

KATJINAKATJI, 13 November 2025- Some grade 8 learners at Katjinakatji Senior Secondary School writing final exams standing due to a severe lack of chairs and desks. (Photo: Contributed)

WINDHOEK, 13 November 2025 - Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp. (Photo by: Molly Weyulu) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 13 November 2025 - Governor of the Bank of Namibia (BoN), Johannes !Gawaxab. (Photo by: Molly Weyulu) NAMPA

(251117) -- YANGJIANG, Nov. 17, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Long Zhentao of Sichuan competes against Tan Rukai of Fujian during the men's single sculls final A of coastal rowing at China's 15th National Games in Yangjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ran)

(251117) -- YANGJIANG, Nov. 17, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Tan Rukai of Fujian competes against Long Zhentao of Sichuan during the men's single sculls final A of coastal rowing at China's 15th National Games in Yangjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ran)

(251117) -- KUNMING, Nov. 17, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Hang collects images of Wamao with his camera at Haiyan Village in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Nov. 12, 2025. Zhang Hang, 32, is an inheritor of the Kunming Wamao-making technique and the founder of the Heart Chamber Wamao Museum.    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.    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. "I wanted to integrate its unconstrained style into modern design."    Since then, searching for old Wamao has become part of his daily life. He has wandered through old city markets and construction sites, from cities of Dali and Lijiang to the outskirts of Kunming, chasing traces of the clay guardians.    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.    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."    Skilled artisans can complete a Wamao in a week, but Zhang said the true challenge lies in merging tradition with innovation.    "It sometimes takes a month to create one that feels right," he said. "The goal is to help this ancient craft find new meaning in modern society."    As urbanization changes the landscape of Kunming, many old houses have disappeared. Zhang hopes his work will help preserve the memory of the Wamao and its cultural spirit.    "As old houses crumble, I hope the chamber of my heart will serve as a new home for Wamao," he said. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

(251117) -- KUNMING, Nov. 17, 2025 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on Nov. 7, 2025 shows Wamao displayed at the Heart Chamber Wamao Museum in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province. Zhang Hang, 32, is an inheritor of the Kunming Wamao-making technique and the founder of the Heart Chamber Wamao Museum.    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.    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. "I wanted to integrate its unconstrained style into modern design."    Since then, searching for old Wamao has become part of his daily life. He has wandered through old city markets and construction sites, from cities of Dali and Lijiang to the outskirts of Kunming, chasing traces of the clay guardians.    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.    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."    Skilled artisans can complete a Wamao in a week, but Zhang said the true challenge lies in merging tradition with innovation.    "It sometimes takes a month to create one that feels right," he said. "The goal is to help this ancient craft find new meaning in modern society."    As urbanization changes the landscape of Kunming, many old houses have disappeared. Zhang hopes his work will help preserve the memory of the Wamao and its cultural spirit.    "As old houses crumble, I hope the chamber of my heart will serve as a new home for Wamao," he said. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)