The Tiki statues were carved to symbolize the importance of a particular mythical deity. Tiki statues were placed by Maori tribe members to mark the boundaries of sacred grounds. The statues were given the name of Tiki from the Maori name for the first human male. In the Hawaiian culture there are four significant gods that are most commonly represented: Kane, Ku, Lono, and Kanaloa.
Kane is the creator of the universe and the ruler of the natural world. When Kane is depicted in statues he is an amalgamation of many aspects of the natural world. He will have a human body, fishlike mouth, and leaflike hair. Ku is the Hawaiian god of war. His mouth is normally open to suggest that he is devouring his enemies.
According to Hawaiian history, there was a time when gods walked the earth as men, and tiki images recognize not only their divinity, but also their human qualities as well. Tikis reminded the people just how close the realm of the gods was and reinforced their acknowledgement of the awesome power the gods sustained. The first stone tikis were said to have been carved around the year in the Marquesas Islands. The tiki can take many crafted forms, from giant sculptures of the war God Ku, to images of variant gods carved into drums, boats, or other utilitarian objects, to petroglyphs carved into rock or tattoo patterns on the body.
The artistic likenesses created in tikis demonstrate a high level of craftsmanship and perfectionism. The most recognized tiki character has a strong, stocky body with a rectangular head, seemingly wearing a headdress.
This mysterious figure is to a degree an intimidating one, with large eyes and a stance that suggests he is ready for war. Beginning in the s, an entire "tiki culture" representing the island life of the South Pacific began to form around these odd statues.
Tiki-themed restaurants displayed kitschy memorabilia, such as tiki carvings, tiki torches, rattan furniture, tropical-print fabrics and wooden or bamboo items. Tiki bars served mai tais and other fruity island drinks.
Well-trained tikis could perhaps save people from evil, strengthen their wartime power, and benefit from successful harvests. Is he a lucky tiki with this one? Perhaps the most widely accepted meaning of tiki is fertility. The tiki is also said to bring good luck and chase away evil spirits. And what does the Maori Tiki represent? Hi Tiki represents the human form and ancestors. Traditionally passed down from parents to children or used for protection and happiness. What do Tiki's faces mean?
Tiki masks are hand-carved wooden masks whose original purpose was to represent gods, protect the wearer from evil spirits or even increase the wearer's fertility and happiness. They have served many purposes, both in the privacy of homes and in everyday life.
His symbol is an image of a squid, and when represented in Tiki masks, he instills the characteristics of faith, hope and resolve, along with the property of cleansing. Lono: Another one of the eternal, original gods, Lono is the ancient Tiki deity of peace and fertility. According to Hawaiian lore, he descended from a rainbow to the Earth below, bringing music, balance, peace, prosperity and bounty. Extremely important to the tribal lifestyle in terms of crops, human fertility and the home, Lono represents rain, plant growth and food, and ancient culture honored him through the annual festival of Makahiki, during which no tribes were allowed to participate in war or unnecessary work.
The twin brother of Kanaloa, Lono promotes peace, love and prosperity. When his image and characteristics are honored in the carving of a Tiki mask, he represents good fortune, strong family ties, happiness, love, fertility, strength in relationships and the seeking of higher knowledge. He is the most ancient of all the eternal gods. Kane: Creator of the Earth, sky and heavens in ancient Hawaiian mythology, Kane is the father of many minor gods and the giver of gardens.
Legend has it that Kane possesses a tiny seashell that can transform into a large sailboat that will take its rider to whatever destination he wishes to reach. When used as inspiration for Tiki mask features, Kane embodies the traits of virtue, patience and consciousness, and provides security and safekeeping.
With the growing popularity of a Polynesian, South Pacific tropical look, bar owners, hotel managers and restaurant owners began to feature the tribal decor on their properties. Now, many cafes, clubs, restaurants, resorts, properties and parties incorporate them into their aesthetics to keep the culture alive and create a vibrant, tropical feel for their homes or customers.
When you add your own unique Tiki masks to your home or business , they can represent whatever you desire. Use them as mere decorations to add a tropical flair to your aesthetic, or display them with special attention to their more symbolic meaning. You can even choose specific Tiki mask meanings to bring you good luck, good fortune and blessings for yourself and others! Incorporate our bold colors, unique faces and exciting patterns and designs into your backyard, Hawaiian Tiki party, tropical resort, island restaurant aesthetic, Tiki bar or other party or event.
Our authentic Tiki masks are ideal for hanging on walls, decorating bamboo fences and placing on top of tables. As the only tropical decor provider based on both the East and West Coasts, Forever Bamboo is dedicated to providing you with the quality experience and products you desire in decorating your setting.
Offering free shipping on almost all our products, we are open seven days a week — our friendly, experienced staff is ready to help you with all your needs, preferences and questions, so feel free to reach out with any questions you may have. Complement your tropical theme with the unique character of traditional and modern Tiki masks by browsing our selection today.
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