Tiki Symbol Meaning: Hawaiian and Polynesian History

When you hear the word “tiki,” you might think of mai tais, a tiki totem with blue eyes, or a giant tiki head. In this article, we dive a little bit deeper into what the tiki symbol meaning is all about.

The tiki symbol holds significant importance in Polynesian culture, embodying a rich history and a variety of important meanings. These fascinating sculptures have evolved, initially serving as markers for sacred grounds and religious idols.

As tiki carvings spread throughout the Polynesian and Hawaiian islands, their meanings and uses continued to develop, encompassing numerous deities and cultural traditions.

Tiki face statues often represent modified human figures and can be traced back to the Marquesas Islands, where they were regarded as symbols with strong spiritual and symbolic forces.

In Hawaiian culture, high-ranking tribesmen associated with the tiki were considered both sacred and powerful like King Kamehameha II and Alii Nui. These unique carvings held significant roles in special religious ceremonies and connected Hawaiian people to nature and ancestry.

Although considered an ancient art form, tiki symbols remain relevant in today’s modern world. They symbolize luck, fertility, and the relationship between man and nature.

As such, these captivating figures continue to intrigue and inspire those who delve into the diverse world of Polynesian culture, art, and traditions.

Here’s the scoop on the tiki symbol meaning!

Origins of Tiki Symbols

Polynesian Roots

The Tiki symbol has its roots deeply embedded in Polynesian culture. In Polynesian mythology, Tiki is a sculpture carved in the shape of a god and is known all over Polynesia, including Tahiti and Hawaii.

The symbol plays an important role in contemporary art, representing the culture of Polynesia and its people.

Many Tiki sculptures appear in various forms around the South Pacific region. One of the most famous and mysterious examples is the Moai statues of Easter Island.

These sculptures represent half-man, half-god characters who are believed to have created human beings. Polynesians used to worship and fear these tiki symbols.

Maori Tribe Influence

The Maori tribe of New Zealand also had a significant influence on the development of tiki symbolism.

Tiki carving is one of the oldest art forms known to man, and its influence appears through the various statues throughout the South Pacific islands.

The Maori tribe continues to play an important role in preserving Polynesian tiki culture. The craftsmanship in their tiki carvings showcases the unique cultural traditions and beliefs of the indigenous people of New Zealand.

Through time, the meaning of tiki symbols has evolved and has become a representation of the broader Polynesian and Hawaiian cultures. They are now a part of various settings, including bars, restaurants, surfboards, and skateboards.

The presence of tiki symbols in tourism has also contributed to generating interest in the rich cultural heritage of Polynesia and its people.

Main Tiki Gods and Deities

Kane

Kane Milohai is one of the most popular gods in Polynesian mythology. He is also the creator of the universe and humans.

He often connects with a natural element such as sunlight, water, and fertility.

The myths surrounding Kane depict him as a god of life, procreation, and creativity. Furthermore, he is revered for his role in the creation of the heavens, earth, and the first human beings.

Ku

Ku is another one of the significant Polynesian gods in the mythology culture, known as the Ancient God of War. He is the husband of the goddess Hina.

The Hawaiian gods have a complementary relationship that is represented by the complementary dualism of the Hawaiian “ku” (standing up) and “hina” (f down). In the Hawaiian language, the word “ku” means the snatcher of the land.

Ku is part of the worship under various names, one of them being Ku-ka-ili-moku, the “Seizer of Land”. As a god of war, rituals in honor of the war god Ku often included human sacrifice, a practice not typically found in other Polynesian deities’ worship.

Lono

Lono is a prominent Polynesian deity that is the god of agriculture, fertility, and peace. He oversees the growth of food plants and crops, as well as the annual harvest season.

Additionally, Lono strongly links with rainfall and its significance in sustaining life. The mythology surrounding Lono encompasses stories of his role in the creation and maintenance of life on Earth.

He also has the responsibility for ensuring balance and harmony amongst nature and its elements.

Kanaloa

Kanaloa is yet another essential deity in Polynesian mythology, regarded as the ruler of the sea realm. As a sea deity, he embodies all aspects of the ocean and its creatures.

Kanaloa is also the counterpart to Kane in certain myths, with both gods working together to establish harmony and balance within the universe.

Through their combined efforts, the duo forms the creative force responsible for life on Earth and the ongoing prosperity of the natural world.

Tiki Symbol Representations & Meanings

Protection and Strength

Tikis are a very ancient symbol that has been an integral part of the Polynesian culture for centuries. They are often associated with the concept of protection and strength.

These ancient carvings appear throughout Polynesia, including the statues called moai on Easter Island and smaller talismans worn by Maori women in New Zealand.

These statues and talismans are carried for specific reasons to serve as religious symbols, protectors, and boundary markers for sacred grounds.

• Maori warrior tiki masks: Symbolize power and strength in battle
• Tiki statues as protectors: Used to ward off evil and bring good fortune
• Various tiki deities: Represent different elements of nature and provide protection

Fertility and Growth

The tiki symbol also closely connects with the concept of fertility and growth, particularly in the Maori culture. Maori women often wear small tiki talismans around their necks to protect them from infertility.

Additionally, some legends in Polynesian mythology tell that Tiki was the first man on earth and came from the stars. In these legends, Tiki is promoting fertility, good health, and life.

• Hei Tiki: Stylised fish hooks were worn by female figures to symbolize fertility and protection from infertility
• Tiki as the first man: Connection to the origins of life and the idea of growth

Knowledge and Spirituality

Tiki symbols play an important role in the spiritual aspect of Polynesian cultures. According to the myth, Tiki was a teacher of all different things and was an embodiment of great inner knowledge and spirituality.

As a spiritual symbol, the tiki represents a strong link between the human world and divine guidance, often portrayed with webbed feet to signify a strong connection to sea creatures.

Various tiki deities hold spiritual powers and wisdom.

• Tiki as a teacher: Emphasizes the importance of knowledge and learning
• Connection to sea creatures: Shows spirituality linked to the natural world
• Different tiki deities: Demonstrates the depth and variety of spiritual beliefs in Polynesian culture

Relationships

A single twist symbolizes the strong bond between two people which includes their loyalty and friendship. The merging of those people forever and into the afterlife.

Just as life has twists and turns on a path, their relationship will have the same effect. Even if they separate later on in their life, they will always be connected and will find their way back to each other.

The double and triple twist can have essentially the same meaning. The bond isn’t between the people or individuals like a single twist. Rather between the individual’s cultures.

Maori pendants offer community and friendship between the different tribes. The single and double twist pendants have a very distinctive look, both being a green emerald color with the single having a single twist just like its name.

The double and triple twists have multiple twists in the pendant.

The Kuru also known as the comfort stone represents confidence, and independence and gives off positive energy.

Symbolism Within Tiki Art

Carving Materials

Tiki art often comes to life with materials such as wood and bone, which were historically abundant in regions like Polynesia and Hawaii. Skilled carvers used these materials to craft beautiful and intricate tiki statues, each with its unique symbolism.

Wood, especially from the koa tree, is the most traditional choice for carving tikis, imparting a natural warmth and connection to the earth.

Bone, on the other hand, adds an element of ancestral connection. It’s believed that the spirit of the deceased is present in the bone remains.

Three Fingers and Nostrils

A common characteristic found in tiki statues is the presence of three fingers on each hand. The three fingers symbolize power, strength, and wisdom, which are important qualities of the gods.

Three fingers also connect to the ability to create and shape change in the world, reflecting the duality of nature as the creator, preserver, and destroyer of life.

Another prominent design element is the depiction of large nostrils. This feature provides a representation of strength and life force.

According to Maori mythology, humans received their breath of life through their nostrils, and hence this symbolism emphasizes the importance of breath and life energy present within the tiki statues.

Maori Symbols

In addition to the three fingers and large nostrils, tiki art often features various Maori symbols. One key symbol is the koru, which represents growth, new life, and renewal.

The koru design mimics the appearance of a young fern frond, embodying the potential for new beginnings and an ever-evolving circle of life.

Incorporating the koru design in tiki carvings can symbolize a connection to nature and the cyclical process of birth, growth, and transformation that exists both in the natural world and within individuals.

The closed circle pendant is round with a hole in the middle and represents the circle of life. This pendant showcases that life has no beginning and no end. Life is continuous and we are just merely a part of it.

Other Maori designs, such as the Hei-Tiki, carry meanings related to fertility, protection from evil spirits, and harnessing spiritual energies. The Hei-Tiki is in the shape of a human embryo and is the representation of the first man and teacher of all things.

This symbol, when incorporated into tiki art, adds a layer of deeper meaning and further connects the statues to their ancient origin and spiritual significance.

Tiki Tattoos

Tiki tattoos are deeply rooted in Polynesian culture and mythology. Tikis often have striking facial features, such as large eyes, noses, and mouths.

These Hawaiian tattoos symbolize “demi-gods” and often take the human form, resembling statues of great size or carvings.

They play an integral part in Polynesian culture, capturing the essence of various deities and their associated meanings. Authenticity plays a significant role in Tiki tattoo designs so do a lot of research for the tattoo artist you choose.

Make sure it upholds the integrity of the cultural and mythical symbolism behind them.

Meanings of Tiki Symbol Designs

Tiki tattoos represent various deities in different designs, and motifs with distinct meanings associated with them. Some of the main meanings behind these tattoos include:

• Clarity of thought
• Perceptive qualities
• Knowledgeable insights
• Protection and strength

Cultural Significance of Tiki Symbols

Traditions and Respect

The tiki symbol holds a significant position in Polynesian and Hawaiian culture, often representing religious and spiritual practices. In Maori tribes, tiki carvings are sacred and powerful, especially when made by high-ranking tribesmen.

The statues appear in special religious ceremonies, symbolizing the balance between the tribe’s belief systems and traditional customs.

These tiki symbols appear in various cultural practices, such as the haka, a traditional war dance performed by Maori tributors to intimidate opponents and display their strength.

The tiki can also represent genealogy or whakapapa in the Maori culture, showcasing the connection between ancestors and their descendants.

Mythology and Ancestors

In ancient times the creation of tiki sculptures was prominent throughout Polynesia, often symbolizing gods, mythical tiki figures, and spirits. The sculptures have various interpretations and connect to specific Maori legends.

In some Polynesian mythology, Tiki is the first man created by the gods, often symbolizing the act of creation itself. These representations appear as a physical structure of tiki carvings, which are usually in the shape of a modified human figure.

Expressions of ancestry play a vital role in the symbolism of tikis, as they reaffirm the connection between the past and present generations.

For instance, Maori women often wear small tiki talismans around their necks as protection against infertility, showcasing a great respect for the importance of lineage and genealogy.

The cultural significance of tiki symbols stems from their deep-rooted connection to Polynesian and Hawaiian mythology, spirituality, tradition, and ancestry.

These commonly exemplify spiritual and societal beliefs but also serve as reminders of the importance of maintaining a connection to one’s ancestral heritage.

Treasures of Maori Culture

Greenstone and Jade Artifacts

Hei-tiki, ornamental pendants of the Maori people of New Zealand, are traditionally made of pounamu, also known as greenstone or New Zealand jade.

Pounamu is a taonga, or treasure, in Maori culture, and its significance extends beyond its beauty. Some hei-tiki are thought to represent Tiki, the first man in Maori legend, or even the atua (God or supernatural being) Tāne, the forefather of humankind. 

This god was believed to create the first woman and is the representation of the male principle. Worn around the neck, these jade carvings serve as symbols of both prosperity and respect.

Bone Sculpture

In addition to Greenstone, Maori artists often use the bone to create intricately carved sculptures. These bone carvings can depict important cultural stories and hold spiritual significance.

Like greenstone artifacts, bone sculptures can also invoke elements like the goddess and guardian spirits, as well as signify a connection to ancestors and the natural world.

Fishing and Weapons

Fishing has been a crucial aspect of Maori culture since their 13th-century arrival in New Zealand. Consequently, many Maori symbols and artifacts showcase themes associated with fishing and its connection to prosperity.

The matau, or fishhook, is a particularly symbolic representation of this relationship. Carved from greenstone, bone, or wood, the matau symbolizes strength, determination, and fertility.

It is also a good luck charm for safe travels, especially over water.

Weapons, such as the mere centuries-old, short, broad-bladed clubs, are also crucial Maori artifacts. These weapons can be made from various materials, including precious pounamu.

As symbols of authority and leadership, this thrust weapon was wielded by high-ranking warriors and chiefs.

Tiki’s Influence on Pop Culture

Tiki Statues

Tiki statues draw their inspiration from Polynesian culture and mythology, where they are often sculpted representations of major gods or spirits with a very intense look. In Polynesian mythology, Tiki or hei tiki is a sculpture in the shape of a god, housing a spirit.

European explorers were fascinated by these sculptures, and when they brought this art form back to their homelands, they sparked a growing interest in Tiki statues and iconography.

As a result, Tiki statues started to symbolize the exotic and mysterious aspects of tropical islands and nature. In New Zealand, the Maori people are a wearer of this symbol, which created a powerful symbolism of these artifacts in different cultures.

Tiki Restaurants and Bars

The Tiki trend started to gain momentum in the 1930s with the emergence of Tiki restaurants and Tiki bars. These establishments were designed to offer an escape from the mundane world and whisk patrons of the Western world away to a romanticized version of the Polynesian islands.

This trend continued to grow, especially in the United States following its incorporation of Hawaii as a state.

One of the key aspects of Tiki restaurants and the sand island is their use of cultural symbols like the Pikorua and Manaia. Manaia is a mythical being with the head of a bird and a human body.

It is a guardian against evil and has links in the spirit world. These symbols, along with Tiki statues, create an atmosphere of exotic otherness.

While they may not necessarily be a direct reference to authentic Polynesian practices or beliefs, they contribute to the overall theme of the venue.

These establishments reached new heights of popularity during the 1960s and 1970s, with movies like the 1961 Elvis Presley musical smash-hit Blue Hawaii further cementing the association between Tiki culture and entertainment.

The Tiki motif continued its influence on pop culture through music, film, and television for decades, making these restaurants and bars a significant part of the global fascination with Polynesian culture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed reading this article about the various forms of tiki and the importance of tikis. Tikis have very different meanings and representations depending on how you encounter them.

Whether it’s a pendant necklace, masks, or magnificent statues, they’re all unique in their way but come together as one. Their many different forms, meanings, and symbols make tikis a great item to explore and discover.

The next time you’re at a tiki bar or on an amazing trip to Hawaii or Polynesia, look around at your surroundings and you just might recognize some of the statues and carvings.

Get the scoop on more symbolism in the articles below:

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• Symbolism of an Elephant: Spiritual Meaning & Power
• Symbolism of Salt: Significance in Bible and Scripture

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