Tiki Masks - The Perfect Tropical Decor

Originally Tiki masks were made to represent the ancient Polynesian god, Tiki, considered by them to be the first man. Erecting Tiki poles was a way of protecting the individual tribes and wearing the masks was thought to capture the power of the ancient god. An important part of the South Pacific mythology and history, they date back to Polynesia where these carvings were first discovered. Maori mythology sees Tiki as the first man in the same way Christians see Adam. Many stories abound as to the true nature of Tiki, ranging from Tane making a wife for him or him leading a lonely existence until the earth gave birth to a female companion. Unending legends surround Tiki because of the numerous island cultures that pay tribute to Tiki gods.

As one of the oldest carvings known, Tiki statues are individually unique. When carved by high-ranking tribesman they were considered all-powerful and used in religious ceremonies. Those carved by lesser tribesman were more often used just for decoration. These masks come in all sizes, shapes, colors, and forms, each an interpretation of a specific time or event. There is a long history behind Tiki masks, both in Polynesia and Hawaii to ward off evil spirits, based on their main gods; Kane-god of sunlight and life, Ku-god of war, Lono-god of peace, wind, rains, sports and fertility and Kanaloa-god of the ocean. Most, however, were made to honor Tiki.

These hand carved wooden masks were originally designed to stand in for deities and were thought to ward off evil spirits or increase fertility or bring luck to the wearer. They were carved to take on specific traits, and facial features were then made to resemble that trait. A large, strong man may resemble strength while a sensual woman may increase fertility

In the 1930's, western civilization began to be enamored by the Tiki culture, beginning with the opening of a restaurant called Don the Beachcomber in Southern California, decorated with items representing the island cultures. The tropical theme really took off in the 1940s with soldiers returning from World War ll in the South Pacific were drawn to familiar cuisine and décor and frequented establishments that exhibited them.

The popularity of Tiki related items is still flourishing today with restaurants, bars, country clubs, homeowners and backyard enthusiasts eager to emulate the look and feel of the Polynesian culture. They are tasteful and decorative items that have started in commercial establishments and quickly became a fixture in tropical decorating on a more personal level. They are appealing inside the home to decorate a tiki bar or make a focal point on a wall with a South Pacific flair. The options for use are limited only by your imagination. The backyard can become a tropical haven, decorated in a Tahitian style with a Tiki bar being a focal point. Tiki masks decorating the bar, hanging on trees or freestanding will give your yard a unique and picturesque tropical flair.

There are many forms and symbols incorporated into the Tiki masks, different meanings between each culture. Deciding which one of many Tiki masks you would be most comfortable with, some common interpretations are; if the eyes are looking up, it is offering you protection, while eyes looking downward brings you luck. A smiling mouth brings happiness while an open mouth brings peace. A sign of a warrior is the tongue sticking out, while in Kona style this represents contempt. The look you choose to enhance your décor is based on what Tiki you want watching over you; a strong man, fertility goddess, irreverence, bravado, pompous or warding off evil among just a few.

Our Tiki masks are created with much care and attention to detail with every creation. The artist's concise vision is elaborately recreated with exquisite hand carving, paying close attention to every minute detail. Carved from a variety of beautiful dark wood and coated with a mixture of oils, waxes, and finishes, a strong, sturdy, lacquered look and feel emerges. Each individual mask is crafted with care and concern.

TIKI MASK PRODUCTS:
TM-47: 12IN TIKI MASK:
Measuring approximately 12 inches tall, this Pirate Tiki is beautifully crafted, hand carved, and sealed for outside use.

10 by 10 TIKI MASK SCONCE:
A happy, smiling face to hang on the wall, you can put a candle behind it and enjoy the tropical ambiance

24IN TIKI PADDLE:
This 24in Tiki paddle is perfect for your Tiki bar. Palm leaf designs adorn the sides, and TIKI BAR is printed down the front.

TIKI BAR SIGN:
This 9in high by 20in wide Tiki sign is the perfect adornment to the walls of your Tiki bar. To amuse your guests the sign is designed with palm trees and says "FREE BEER TOMORROW"

40IN TIKI MASK:
This elongated Tiki mask with its beautiful colors of blues and natural wood is a tropical design statement that brings the area together with ease.

TIKI BOTTLE OPENER:
Hand carved, handcrafted, and hand-painted, the Tiki bottle opener measures 20in tall, 10in wide and 10in deep. It features a bottle opener with the drop tray for bottle caps and for added panache, a cigar in the mouth.

20IN TIKI MASKS:
Our Hawaiian/Maui style 20in Tiki masks are handcrafted, hand carved and hand painted. They are carved from a solid piece of tree trunk and already sealed for outside use. With the many mask options available, and an array of styles including full face and full figure we make it a real challenge to narrow down your choices. Whatever you choose, you will receive a perfectly sculpted item to enhance and beautify the location you have chosen for them to be displayed.

STYLES AND PREDOMINANT FEATURE:

TM-4: wide, open mouth with two prominent front teeth against a red mouth with large eyes, full face.

TM-16: full figure with open mouth showing a full set of teeth, and an inspirational purple and turquoise headdress.

TM-21: full face with grimacing mouth showing teeth and red eyes, perfect addition to any project.

TM-22: wide open mouth with an array of serrated teeth, full figure, topped with an auspicious blue and white topknot.

TM-23: full figure with open smiling mouth, teeth and colorful headdress to draw attention.

TM-24: open smiling mouth with teeth, long flowing headdress, full figure sure to delight.

TM-25: full figure, large head with wide eyes and mouth, a stand-out piece.

TM-26: full figure with large headdress covering all but wide mouth, making you wonder.

TM-28: large face with carving indicating body, varied colors, and hues TM-29: full face, pineapple on headdress, beautifully muted colors TM-32: the focal point is a square mouth opening on a full face, predominate reds TM-33: red/green headdress, full face dominated by open square mouth with teeth TM-34: full face mask with large see through mouth opening surrounded by teeth TM-35: large prominent see through mouth, eyes lined in blue, full face TM-36: beautiful full figure in striking light colored hues TM-37: full figure in perfect proportion in a natural wood design TM-41: full face mask in a brilliant array of color in a tasteful design ST-1: full face in muted gray tones, large open eyes and smiling ST-2: wide eyes, full mouth, beautifully designed headdress in a full face mask ST-4: full face mask with a gorgeous mosaic look designed headdress ST-5: dark blues with eyes and mouth outlined in white with white etchings make this a stand-out full face mask ST-6: muted blues and natural wood, highlight this full face mask with a smiling countenance. ST-7: natural wood eye, teeth, and headdress surrounded by muted blues give this an elegant addition to your décor; full face ST-8: full face mask with a stunning combination of blue and natural wood look with a large open mouth showing four top teeth ST-9: A collection of blues, greens, and reds bring this full face mask to life, with its smiling mouth inset with two rows of teeth. ST-10: Creatively styled with blues and whites, it is sure to bring a gasp of admiration ST-11: The expert carving is undeniable on this full-face smiling 20in mask ST-12: Frowning or smiling? You'll have to decide as you study him and he looks back at you ST-13: A wide white smile and large slotted eyes adorn this face with red and blue highlights ST-14: Blue topping, slanted eyes, and a toothy grin give this mask its character ST-15: Blue highlights on the top and cheeks highlight the wide toothy smile and makes you want to smile back ST-16: Bright feathers of red and yellow, over sleepy eyes and a wide grin make you wonder, what is it thinking ST-17: Blue eyebrows over wide open eyes follow your every movement with a look of surprise ST-18: Deep set eyes, large nose and an open mouth that looks to be yelling are the attributes of this character ST-19: A wide toothy mouth and deep-set eyes are surrounded by a vibrant color palette that makes this a stand out in any setting ST-20: Bright yellow adorns this headdress, inset with a splash of red to draw your attention, blue cheek highlights accentuate the open, toothy mouth ST-21: Open mouth and eyes are set off by the beauty of this headdress in blues, greens, and gold ST-22: Subtle colors on a laughing face are highlighted by one vibrant green feather ST-23: Beautifully crafted face with lovely color touches to enhance any décor ST-24: Unusual styled eyes and intriguing shaped mouth make this one of a kind mask a treasure ST-25: A red flower on the head and blue leaf on the chin are the framework for this wide mouth mask ST-26: An intimidating looked cloaked in blues and yellow make this a perfect accent piece ST-27: Happy and smiling, sure to get plenty of compliments ST-28: This striking face featuring blue highlights will be the highlight of your tropical décor ST-29: The addition of this classically styled Tiki mask is sure to draw gasps of wonder ST-30: A study in a slightly abstract look, the focal point of this mask is the wide overpowering mouth. Sure to draw comments and attention ST-31: Probing eyes and a slight grimace, this mask will get many queries as to what it is thinking ST-32: Dark wood with lighter highlight is sure to compliment any other pieces you have and blend beautifully ST-34: Symmetry is enhanced with the careful placement of facial features, making this a very desirable piece ST-35: A frowning mouth and closed eyes give this mask its individuality, making it desirable. FREE SHIPPING NATIONWIDE AND BEST PRICES GUARANTEED