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 brings up another facet of their appeal, -the fascinating history of tikis, and their meaning to the peoples from which they emerged. It is widely considered that tiki statues are artistic representations of "First Man," or the powerful and religiously significant primordial ancestor, himself a deity. The tiki statues then were carved in various forms typically representing the god of war, the god of agriculture, the god of creation and the god of the sea. If the various gods were pleased with their likenesses, they were said to actually inhabit the sculpture, offering the people strength, power and protection.
Lastly, tikis can work as an empowering force to bring about vicarious tropical encounters. Everything connected with "tiki" can offer assistance. One doesn't need to live in a tropical or subtropical environment to encounter fun and fulfillment with respect to the tropical way of life. Tiki statues, tiki lodges, tiki bars, tiki lights and tiki parties, through their relationship with what some genuinely consider heaven, can offer satisfaction and phenomenal excitement to 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 exactly so energized, a tiki get-together may be a fundamental approach to begin with. A couple of tiki lights, some island or tropical music and some rum beverages and you could be well on your way to a most charming "tiki" experience. You could even have a tiki themed cake to finish it off.
"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 brings up another facet of their appeal, -the fascinating history of tikis, and their meaning to the peoples from which they emerged. It is widely considered that tiki statues are artistic representations of "First Man," or the powerful and religiously significant primordial ancestor, himself a deity. The tiki statues then were carved in various forms typically representing the god of war, the god of agriculture, the god of creation and the god of the sea. If the various gods were pleased with their likenesses, they were said to actually inhabit the sculpture, offering the people strength, power and protection.
Lastly, tikis can work as an empowering force to bring about vicarious tropical encounters. Everything connected with "tiki" can offer assistance. One doesn't need to live in a tropical or subtropical environment to encounter fun and fulfillment with respect to the tropical way of life. Tiki statues, tiki lodges, tiki bars, tiki lights and tiki parties, through their relationship with what some genuinely consider heaven, can offer satisfaction and phenomenal excitement to 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 exactly so energized, a tiki get-together may be a fundamental approach to begin with. A couple of tiki lights, some island or tropical music and some rum beverages and you could be well on your way to a most charming "tiki" experience. You could even have a tiki themed cake to finish it off.
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For more information on tikis and tropical beauty be sure to read the article "Why Tikis Are Important". You can also find some easy to follow plans detailing how to make your very own miniature tiki torch decorations at gizmoplans.