Tiki carvings are depictions of Polynesian gods that can be found across the Pacific Ocean in many Polynesian cultures. These carvings are usually in the shape of stylized human figures with large eyes, grimacing mouths, and arms crossed over their stomachs. As evidenced by numerous drawings and engravings of tiki art made by visitors to the South Pacific starting around the 1700s, early European visitors to the South Pacific were fascinated by the tiki carvings they encountered. Tiki carvings were also a status symbol in an era when international travel was difficult and time-consuming.
Tiki, the first man, was also a god, according to Polynesian legends, who created humans in his image. Tiki carvings depict the god, and they are used in religious ceremonies as well as as good luck tokens. They range in size from tiny carvings worn as necklaces to towering versions that stand near village entrances. Tiki designs can also be found on plates and other household items.
Tiki carving can be done with both wood and stone, with wood being a popular choice because it is readily available on many Pacific islands. The figures’ styles differ slightly depending on the region in which they are carved, and many carvers continue to carve tiki sculptures in the traditional style. In case you’re wondering, the Polynesian tiki isn’t to be confused with Easter Island’s massive Moai sculptures.
While tiki carving has religious significance for Polynesians, it gained decorative significance on the West Coast of the United States in the 1970s as “tiki culture” exploded. Tiki carvings became the focal point of a decorating style that included other “Polynesian” elements such as bamboo furniture and palm frond umbrellas. Tiki culture is still alive and well in many parts of the West Coast, as evidenced by the famous Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland.
Decorative tiki carvings, like tiki culture in general, are often kitschy and a little hokey. While the decorating scheme was taken seriously in the 1970s, it is now used more lightheartedly, with tiki-themed events, homes, and bars organized around fun-loving attitudes. Tiki parties often require guests to dress up in Hawaiian shirts, palm skirts, and other homages to Polynesian culture, with guests drinking pineapple juice and other tropically themed beverages and eating Polynesian foods to fit the theme.