Tiki masks are hand carved wood, however once carved the wood takes on the spirit or god, the Tiki mask is transferred to a personification of Polynesian power and knowledge. Unlike African cultures and other cultures that worshiped deities, the mask was not worn, but was displayed and was always present.
The word Tiki is sometimes thought of as a false culture. Examples are the Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland, Pirates of the Caribbean, Tiki Bars, tropical drinks, and other items created as a result of marketing. Polynesia is an important part of the Pacific Ocean; therefore, most definitions on the web could not explain a Tiki Mask using a broad term like Polynesian. Polynesian culture refers to thousands of indigenous people, on hundreds of islands, who worshiped hundreds of different gods, with different belief systems, and that some worshiped idols called Tikis since 1000 AD (which includes Easter Island, Tonga, Fiji and Hawaii). ).
The Polynesians engraved their Tiki masks with a common theme in expressions with intrinsic details. The masks would have large open mouths, hanging tongues, large nostrils, a large head, puckered eyes, large teeth, anger, and most of all, bravery. As a result, they can change the appearance of a room, making it mysterious, tropical, and peaceful conversation with meaning.
In Polynesian culture, most people write about the four main Tiki gods. Ku is the god of war and Hina’s husband. Lono is the god of fertility and provider of peace. Kane is the leader or men of men. Kanaloa is the king of the sea, lakes, rivers and rain. In American culture, the four gods are not that popular. Americans are looking for Tiki masks and Tiki statues that have spirits that can help them in everyday life (examples in the next paragraph), they are not just for home decoration.
Do you want to be a winner? Then there is an old Winner Tiki that blesses you with fortune in everything you do. Do you have financial problems? Then there is a Tiki Mask and a Tiki Statue called the God of Money and by keeping it in your presence, it is believed that money will come your way. Are you worried about your health? There is a long lasting Tiki that will help you stay strong and healthy. Are you happy? There is a Tiki of happiness that combines blessings, good health and happiness. Are you always defending yourself? There is the Amakua Tiki with real human hair that claims to protect and defend you from others. You’re stressed? There is the Tiki Temple, a replica of the British Museum that represents the power and protection of your home. You have bad luck? The Lucky Tiki is said to bring prosperity and is the most popular Tiki. Can’t have a baby? There is the fertility Tiki who claims that by rubbing his head you become more fertile by his command. In conclusion, Polynesian culture lives on, yet in American culture meaning is interpreted in our everyday lives.
