How to Select a Palm Tree Trunk to Make a Tiki Statue
Tiki statues are cool, very cool! Not only have they always been an integral part of “South Seas” or Polynesian culture, but they have seemingly become inseparably linked with a laid-back, relaxing, tropical island and beach lifestyle in general. We’ve all heard of (and probably been to) Tiki Bars at some exotic vacation spot. Restaurants sporting Tiki statues have a certain charm and mystique that, for many, seem to attract them. While traditionally thought to protect against evil, for most of us they are simply associated with a carefree, exotic lifestyle.
For those who truly appreciate the beauty and tropical appeal of a Tiki statue, the question may arise, “how can I get one of my own?” In fact, they make wonderful features or accents in any landscape for those trying to create a “tropical” look. They are of course available from a wide variety of sources in an even wider variety of shapes and sizes for those willing to spend the money. In my opinion, however, a more attractive option would be to make my own. With a little time and patience, I think anyone can do it. Obviously, there are different tasks that need to be carried out for a successful completion. This article will deal with the selection of the raw material with which to make your tiki.
Tikis are made of many things. Some are made from the trunks of palm trees. Others are made from a variety of other woods. Still others are made of stone (or concrete). I think traditionally (at least in Hawaii) Tiki statues were carved from the trunks of the native palm trees of a given area (they used what was around). The Moai sculptures of Easter Island, however, are large monolithic structures (large or solid stone). Everything can work out well, depending on availability and the direction in which one’s taste runs. I think the palm trunks have a nice “feel” to them, as they were originally part of a palm tree that, by definition, grew in (or near) a tropical or subtropical area, perhaps making the resulting tiki look more exotic. For the purposes of this article I will focus on the trunks of palm trees (cabbage palms).
If you live in an area where palm trees grow, acquiring one should be fairly easy. In my area (Central Florida) housing or construction projects almost always involve clearing land of brush and palm trees. The most commonly felled type of tree is the cabbage palm (Sabal Palmetto), which grows wild here, and as far north as North Carolina (it’s a very abundant palm). A building site would be a simple, easy and cheap way to acquire a carving chest. Another way might be to get one from a friend or neighbor who wants a palm removed from their garden or landscape for cosmetic reasons or perhaps because it died (just remember to have it removed by a professional, as cabbage palms are somewhat difficult to remove). ). “cut” and, because they hold so much water, they are very, very heavy).
When selecting a palm trunk, always remember to check its solidity. Many palm trees can have areas of structural deterioration, even when they are alive and standing. This can take the form of deep scarring or “eroding” of the trunk, causing a section of bark and fiber underneath to simply disappear. It is easily detected by visual examination. This erosion (or rot) can occur even UNDER the bark or outer surface, making the log appear solid and healthy when it is not. An easy way to check this is to simply “touch” the trunk. When the trunk is right, you will hear a solid, resonant thump. When it’s not, you’ll hear a hollow sound and you may even notice that the trunk feels soft in that area.
Once acquired, the trunk of the palm can likely be moved with a mobile dolly or with a friend to help with the lifting. Many people simply carve them into the ground and then move them to the area they would like to place them in. I prefer to use slightly longer log pieces and actually dig a fairly deep hole where I want to place them and put them in the ground to stabilize and hold them securely. I think it helps make them easier to carve and allows for easy perspective to estimate what the finished product will look like in that location. Obviously, you couldn’t do that if you wanted to place your tiki on a patio, deck, or sidewalk.
Having selected your raw material is a big step and gets you on your way to creating your very own tiki. While it does require a modicum of skill, carving your tiki really isn’t that difficult. With patience and persistence, I believe you will be able to achieve a result that you will be proud of.
