THE TIKIS OF POLYNESIA

The Polynesians used to sculpt small statues (the Tikis) from wood or stone, to ensure divine protection and to keep evil energies at a distance. Representations of gods or spirits, the Tikis of Polynesia are the mysterious witnesses of a forgotten past.

Sculpture is a defining art in Polynesia. The first tikis, which were carved in stone, were crafted from 1400-1450AD.

Originally from the Marquesas Islands, they can be found today in most of the Islands of the Polynesian Triangle, a region of the Pacific Ocean with different island groups at its corners: Hawaii (North), the Easter Island (East) Tahiti (West) and New Zealand (South West).

The Maori ancient civilization, which extended to all the Polynesian Triangle, has left tracks, vestiges, stories and traditions very well alive. In the Marquesas Islands, the tikis can be found on each and every islands.

The tiki is believed to be the creator of Men, the heir of “manao” or “mana”, which means a magical power, an energy and a light that bring the universe and all the beings together.  The Polynesians worshiped them and feared them. That statue is the representation of a modified human. It can represent just a head or an entire man. The man is typically portrayed as thick, with his arms folded, his hands on his belly, and with small legs. He has a large head that symbolizes power, no neck, big eyes that symbolize knowledge, and a mouth which is often expressive.

Each tiki has its own meaning. You may find tikis that mean SMILE, TENDERNESS, STRENGTH and WISDOM, and many others. Themes which represent the Polynesians.

Tikis are made of many materials: wood, stone, coral, or precious metal. Apart from the small statues, the tiki can also be worn as jewelry, to be worned at all times.