Sheila
Sep 23rd, 2008
Sep 23rd, 2008
Polynesian Tiki
Most hotels or luau grounds have a tiki statue. We took the photo above at the Old Lahaina Luau in Maui. These wood carvings can look pretty intimidating. They are supposed to represent the gods and ancestors. They were usually placed at entrances of temples and sacred places. You can see authentic carved ki’is (the Hawaiian word for these carved scupltures) on the Big Island at the Place of Refuge.
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2 Responses to “Polynesian Tiki”
Pssst, Sheila. In Hawaiian culture/language the traditional carved figures like the ones at the Place of Refuge and other heiau are called Ki’i. In Tahitian they’re called Ti’i (no “k”). Tiki actually is a Marquesan word, if I remember correctly.
But yeah, I’ll bet all of the ones at hotel luaus and in souvenir shops are called Tikis! ;-}
Bobbie
Thanks for that clarification.