Tiki Pendant
Tiki Culture – A Brief History
Tiki culture has become popular primarily due to people’s preference for the Tiki decorating style, especially in most tropical tourist destinations. What you may not realize is that Tiki culture as it is known to us isn’t really a separate and specific culture, but an interesting combination of elements from the Polynesian, Maori, Hawaiian, and Easter Island cultures. It is believed to reflect an enchanted ancient time in history that is very hard for men to look at and yet harder to look away from. When you see Tiki statues, Tiki totem poles, and Tiki masks, you will understand exactly what this fascinating belief means.
In Polynesian history, the concept of the Tiki is believed to originate in the Marquesas Islands and their mythology identifies the Tiki as a male figure, sometimes also referred to as the first man. Tiki statues are also believed to represent human ancestors. A typical Tiki figure has round eyes, a large flat nose, and a wide mouth, and he stands with his hands clasped over his stomach. There is a slight difference between the Polynesian and Maori beliefs about the Tiki. Maoris view the Tiki as their goddess of childbirth. At the same time, they believe that the Tiki represents their ancestors appearing in human form. They wear small Tiki figures as pendants made of greenstone for good luck. They also use large Tiki statues to mark their sacred sites.
Easter Island features one of the most well-known sacred sites guarded by Tiki statues – Rapa Nui. It is believed that these statues were carved and positioned by the Polynesian colonizers of Easter Island. It is worth noting, however that in the language of the islanders, these figures are known as Moai, and they represent their deified ancestors. In Hawaiian culture, the figures are called Ki’i and there are several versions of the story about their origin and representation. In the midst of all these differences, one commonality stands out – all Tiki figures have very flat faces that are much taller in proportion to their bodies.
In the United States, Tiki culture refers to a blend of all four concepts discussed above. Its rise in popularity started to take shape in 1934. That was the year when Don the Beachcomber opened its doors in Hollywood. It was a bar and restaurant with a distinct Polynesian theme to it. The restaurant featured rattan furniture, brightly-colored fabrics, flaming torches, and leis. Three years later, another restaurant adopted a Tiki theme in Oakland and the theme’s popularity went up in direct proportion to the restaurant’s growth in the Bay Area.
In the mid-1990s, people took a renewed interest in the Tiki culture and decorating style. This interest grew to such proportions that books about the Tiki culture were even published, thus ensuring the Tiki culture’s re-entry into the American mainstream. Tiki-themed parties and events are now very common across America, with Southern California leading the pack in terms of number. It doesn’t really matter where the Tiki culture actually originated from, the fact is that it is interesting and the Tiki decorating style is definitely a lot of fun. Wherever there is an island-themed party, you are sure to find traces of the Tiki.
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Making of Gold Tiki Pendant. By Robinson Designer Goldsmith.
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CARVED KOA WOOD HAWAIIAN JEWELRY LUCKY TIKI GOD STATUE PENDANT NECKLACE CHOKER $22.95 |
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Vtg Sarah Coventry ALOHA TIKI VLV Monster Pewter Tone PENDANT NECKLACE $37.99 |
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Aurastella Sterling Silver Tiki Cat Pendant $7.99 |
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10.5 mm TAHITIAN CULTURED BLACK PEARL BIG TIKI PENDANT 925 STERLING SILVER $175.00 |
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Tibetan Bone Carving Tiki Man Totem Necklace Pendant FS $3.99 |
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Maori Tiki Pendant Necklace Carved Bone Unisex Men N1 $15.99 |
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Vintage Sterling Silver – Polynesian Tiki Spear – Charm Pendant XC643 $9.49 |
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Aurastella Sterling Silver Tiki Cat Pendant $7.99 |
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Tiki Mug 6 1/2 Inch Ceramic Cup with Pendant Shot Glass $17.99 |
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ROSEWOOD TIKI MASK WOODEN & BONE BEAD PENDANT NECKLACE $15.75 |
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Vintage Hand Carved Ox Bone Tiki Totem Face Pendant Charm w Leather Necklace $14.95 |
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Tiki Man Totem Hawaii Handcrafted PENDANT Necklace BN24 $8.98 |
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Unique Yak Bone Carving Tiki Man Totem Necklace Pendant $0.99 |
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Tiki Jewelry Abalone Pendant $2.50 |
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Tiki Jewelry – Shell Pendant $2.50 |
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Tribal Vintage Tiki Pendant Collectible $9.99 |
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Hawaiian Coconut Necklace with Tiki Pendant $9.99 |
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Pendant TIKI Resin Tibet Tribal Hemp Cord wood Beads Necklace Free Shipping $0.99 |
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Tribal Vintage Tiki Pendant Collectible $9.99 |
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Early 19th century Maori nephrite jade Hei Tiki (pendant) $1,335.86 |
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Unique Yak Bone Carving Tiki Man Totem Necklace Pendant $3.99 |
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New Tiki Tibetan Yak Bone Carved Totem Necklace Pendant $2.99 |
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Vintage Pendant or Charm – Aztec or Tiki God STERLING signed OAX $12.99 |
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VTG Sterling Silver Tiki Totem Pole Charm or Pendant — Kayak Alaska $26.95 |
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Tiki Totem Demon Devil God Pewter Silver Red Necklace Pendant Chain BRAND NEW! $0.99 |
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Wonderful New Zealand Natural Nephrite Jade Maori Hei Tiki Pendant Charm Medium $17.99 |
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Hand Carved Tiki Pendant by Hottiki #9 Wood Necklace South Pacific One of a Kind $25.00 |
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Hand Carved Tiki Pendant by Hottiki #5 Wood Necklace South Seas One of a Kind $25.00 |
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Hand Carved Tiki Pendant by Hottiki #16 Wood Necklace South Seas One of a Kind $25.00 |
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Hand Carved Tiki Pendant by Hottiki #11 Wood Necklace Polynesia Island Carving $25.00 |
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Hand Carved Tiki Pendant by Hottiki #10 Wood Necklace Polynesian Hawaii $25.00 |
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Hand Carved Tiki Pendant by Hottiki #4 Wood Necklace South Seas One of a Kind $25.00 |
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Hand Carved Tiki Pendant by Hottiki #8 Wood Necklace PNG One of a Kind $25.00 |
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Hand Carved Tiki Pendant by Hottiki #14 Necklace South Seas Exotic Wood Rare $25.00 |
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Hand Carved Tiki Pendant by Hottiki #1 Wood Necklace South Seas One of a Kind $25.00 |
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Pendants Tiki Pendant Pendants Get a magnificent contemporary look with the Tiki Pendant. Brushed nickel finish complements your homes modern fashion while the elegant adjustable support stem enhances the gorgeous appeal. Ideal ambient light exudes from the clear cylindrical glass with white diffuser that are supported by slender metal pipes. This is just the unique and rejuvenating fashion you desire…. |
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Polynesian Tiki God Idol Talisman Pendant W/ Necklace $14.99 This hand carved teak wood talisman pendant is carven into the shape of a Polynesian Tiki God. The pendant measures 3 1/8 inches tall, 1 1/4 inches wide and 3/4 of an inch deep. The original statues are thought by some to act as a mediator between the ancient islanders and the gods, and this talisman can do the same for you. It comes with an adjustable silk cord necklace, so you can wear it at wha… |
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Retro-a-go-go ‘TIKI FRED’ KEN THE FLATTOP PINSTRIPE TABLET NECKLACE $16.00 Put the exclamation point on any of your outfits; from a pair of your favorite jeans to a naughty nightie. Introducing the newest addition to our Retro-a-go-go! line-up, the ultra sexy slim-line tablet necklace. Every necklace is a clever mix of clean lines and eye-catching graphics. This shiny, sleek, long and slender pendant is further enhanced by a fine and supple ball chain. This necklace hang… |
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Tiki Necklace Yak Bone Ethnic Carved Pendant Tribe Hawaiian god $6.99 *Material Type: Yak Bone… |
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New York Giants Logo Pendant w/Rubber Cord – NFL Football Fan Shop Sports Team Merchandise $8.95 NFL logo pendant strung on rubber cord. Pendants are approximately 1 1/4″ h and enameled in vibrant color. Features an easy to open/close clasp on a 22″ rubber cord necklace…. |
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World Triad Bico Pendant $18.00 Meaning: eternity & cosmic creativity. approx. 2.00 in. long with loop. The classic E pendant, world renowned for its elegant tribal style and unique polished finish. BICO pendants and chains are silver plated. General sensible care must be taken to ensure product longevity. BICO recommends gently wiping the product with a damp cloth and drying with a soft cloth. Exposure to colognes and aftershav… |