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By Kevin Lewis


Most of us are aware of what a tiki is. Tikis are those large carved statues with really big faces and either garishly smiling or really scary expressions. They are often in restaurants or bars, and sometimes even in home landscapes. Perhaps we don't even give them a second thought, simply passing them by as just another thing to look at or part of the environment. It may be, however, that tikis can offer a bit more than simply being an inconsequential fixture. It may be that with the right perspective and an open minded approach tikis can actually enhance your world, brighten your outlook and provide you with enjoyment in your daily life.

"Why," you may say, "would I consider some tiki statue, or waste my time contemplating it?" Actually, unless you're one of those people who really despise them, there are a couple reasons. To begin with, tikis are appealing, in a primitive sort of way. As statuary goes, they are very harsh. It is, regardless, this outstandingly primitive harshness that is a bit of their appeal. Bold in form, yet extreme in their effect, tikis are suggestive of the Polynesian culture from much, much earlier. The riddle and mystique of old locales in charming regions can be overpowering to the imaginative mind.

Polynesian culture raises another component of their charm, -the fascinating history of tikis, and their meaning to the society on which they were created. It is extensively seen that tiki statues are stylized representations of "First Man," or the important and religiously primordial one from whom we all descended, himself part of the divine. The tiki statues, then, were cut in various forms usually addressing the celestial power of war, the master of agribusiness, the ruler of creation and the ruler of the sea. If the beings themselves were happy with the resulting statues, they were said to truly imbue the figure with their presence, offering the community happiness, power and affirmation.

Finally, tikis can function as an exciting stimulus for eliciting vicarious tropical experiences. All of the things associated with tiki culture can help. One does not necessarily need to live in a tropical or subtropical environment to experience the fun and enjoyment of the tropical lifestyle. Tiki statues, tiki huts, tiki bars, tiki torches and tiki parties, through their association with what many might consider paradise, can offer relaxation and enjoyment and lend an air of the exotic to almost any environment.

With so much going for them, in so many different ways, why would anyone NOT take advantage of them? Most tiki items are widely available, and generally very reasonably priced, allowing almost anyone to partake.

For those do-it-yourselfers, many tiki items can easily be made. Even tiki statues and tiki huts, though more challenging, can be made if one is willing to put in a bit of time and effort.

For those not quite so ambitious, a tiki party might be an easy way to start. A few tiki torches, some island or tropical music and some exotic rum drinks and you could be well on your way to a most enjoyable "tiki" experience. You could even have a tiki themed cake to top it off.




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