Ancestor Anmuguai: The Sacred Drum of the Wa

A richly illustrated picturebook telling the legend of the Wa people through art and myth.

In a time long forgotten, a great flood forced humanity into a gourd-shaped cave, sealed away from the sun. Only the curious daughter of the tribal leader-Anmuguai-dared to question the silence. With the help of animals and her own wild heart, she led the people back into the light. But her journey didn’t end there. When the joy of community began to fade, Anmuguai sought a new connection-a sound that could bring people together again. Inspired by ants, dreams, and the beat of an empty belly, she created something extraordinary: a sacred drum. With each beat, the world stirred with life, joy, and unity. This is a story about courage, instinct, imagination, and the power of sound to heal and connect. A celebration of the first woman ancestor, Ancestor Anmuguai reimagines a creation myth from the Wa through stunning art and poetic storytelling.

The Wa culture is a vibrant and ancient ethnic tradition rooted primarily in the mountainous regions of southwestern China and parts of Myanmar. Known for their deep connection to nature, the Wa people have a rich heritage of music, dance, and oral storytelling. Their traditional customs include intricate wood carvings, colorful costumes adorned with silver ornaments, and unique festivals such as the Wooden Drum Festival, which celebrates harvests and community unity. Animism plays a significant role in their spiritual life, with rituals honoring ancestral spirits and natural forces. The Wa culture reflects a profound respect for harmony between humanity and the natural world.

• 3rd CIAC (National Illustration Support Program) Finalist Award
• Selected Work Award in the 2024 China Illustration Art Annual
• Selected for the 4th ＂Da Mei Man Lu＂ Chongqing Animation Art Exhibition
• Exhibited at the 2024 Xiamen International IP Licensing Expo
• Exhibited in the group art exhibition ＂The N Forms of the Dragon＂ at Xiamen Red Top Art Community
• Exhibited in the group exhibition ＂She: Diverse Spectrum＂ at Sparrow Art Museum