tiki

Tiki is a term with several related meanings rooted in Polynesian culture. In many island traditions, tiki refers to carved humanoid figures that are believed to embody deified ancestors or spirits. The word appears across different Polynesian languages, and its precise significance varies by culture. In some contexts, tiki designates a mythological being or the first human.

Tiki carvings are typically created from wood or stone and feature stylized, often exaggerated facial characteristics, with large heads and simplified bodies. They were used in religious, ceremonial, and protective roles and could serve as household guardians or markers of sacred space. The figures became a recognizable motif in Polynesian art and craft, influencing decorative motifs beyond the islands.

Tiki culture denotes a mid-20th-century aesthetic and social trend popular in the United States and parts of Europe. It drew on imagined Polynesian motifs to create tropical-themed environments, including Tiki bars, restaurants, music, and entertainment. Characteristic elements include carved wooden or ceramic mugs, bamboo and thatch décor, tropical drinks such as the Mai Tai or Zombie, and mythic or escapist atmospheres. The movement contributed to a broader, stylized craze for Pacific Island imagery, and has been reassessed by later commentators for cultural appropriation and authentic representation concerns.

In modern popular culture, tiki motifs appear in hospitality venues, fashion, music, and film, continuing as a recognizable symbol of retro tropical escapism while sometimes being cited in discussions of cultural sensitivity.

In computing, Tiki also refers to Tiki Wiki CMS Groupware, an open-source project started in 2002 that combines wiki, content management, calendars, forums, and other collaboration tools intended for websites and intranets.