The Tiki is undoubtedly one of the most popular aspects of Polynesian culture. These large statues were originally created as tributes to the gods worshipped by ancient Polynesians. Great care was taken by master carvers to forge the impression of the god, deemed the mana, on the clean surface of the wooden canvas. The face was given distinctive features and characteristics that vividly represented the form ascribed to the particular mana. The Tiki was less prominent for its artistry, which though enacted with considerable precision and technique was not its primary function. Its significance was mainly derived from its connection to worship and the symbolism behind each depiction.

The first Tikis created by ancestral Polynesians were often quite large. This grandeur was essential to the act of worship which involved the assembly of large groups with the common goal of paying homage to their gods. The statue effectively defined the areas which were sacred and reserved strictly for religious ceremonies. The practice was pervasive in all Polynesian societies and several versions of the Tiki can be found throughout the chain of inhabited islands. To date the most mysterious manifestation of this godly symbol is preserved on Easter Island which is home to some 200 gigantic heads that are associated with the tradition.

The Tiki is still an important part of Polynesian culture. Statues are created in a myriad of different sizes and are associated with a wide range of meanings. On some islands miniature Tikis are worn around the neck to protect Polynesian women from infertility. It is also typically seen in many Hawaiian restaurants where it is said to provide good fortune and protection which allows the establishment to flourish.

The Ancient Gods and Human Creation
There are many Polynesian mythologies which describe the origins of humans by an act of one or more gods. The legends were passed through the oral traditions and likely refined or slightly altered from generation to generation. One of the prominent versions of the Polynesian legend tells of the first human, a woman, created by Tane, who was considered the god of the forests and birds; her name was Hine-ahu-one.

Yet, the story has several different variations. Tane is said to have created a man first who he deems Tiki and then a wife to please him. Tiki is used in a slightly different way in other traditions where he is considered the son of Rangi and Papa. He then goes on to create the first human using clay and his own life force symbolized by his blood. At this point Tane then creates the first woman. Among some other groups Tiki refers specifically to Tane's phallus and is used to establish the origination of the sexual act.

An elaborate story of the genesis of woman is based on the premise of Tiki's loneliness. The godlike figure sat one day by a pool and saw his reflection in it, excited to see another person he dived into the water to make contact with him. He was soon confronted with the realization that it was indeed only an image of himself, in disappointment he covered the crystal clear water with earth. From this rose a woman who provided him with much needed companionship. The act of procreation is said to have emerged after Tiki's female companion saw an eel which inspired feelings of passion. Her delight was then transferred to Tiki who then had his way with her.

Central Tiki Gods
There were four gods that were frequently ascribed to each Tiki. Ku, the god of war, Lono the god of fertility and peace, Kane god of light and Life and Kanaloa god of the sea. All these gods, among many others, held a valuable place in these ancient Polynesian societies. Respect and loyalty to the gods was considered essential to the survival of the land and its people. Through the statues, representation of various deities was made possible. Each Tiki was thought to be infused with an implicit connection to the god it depicted and was thus a sacred monument of utmost importance.

Ku was the husband of the goddess Hina. Symbolically the pair created the ideal of contrasting concepts. Ku means "standing up" while Hina means "fallen down". Natives often included sacrificial rituals in their tribute to Ku. He was the only god where this was warranted, possibly because of his connection to the act of warfare.

Lono was one of the four gods in existence before the creation of the earth. He was strongly associated with the rain and crops grown for human consumption. An extravagant festival was kept in his honor yearly called the Makahiki. His worship also justified a period of rest where certain forms of labor were avoided. In 1772 when Captain James Cook went to the islands he was greeted by an enthusiastic set of Hawaiians who thought he was Lono. On his third voyage he was killed by the great Hawaiian chief Kalanimanokahoowaha. It is suggested that the Hawaiians saw his return outside the season of worship as an insult to their tradition, thus leading to his untimely demise.

Kane was the creator of the sky, earth and the heavens. He was often worshiped alongside the sea god Kanaloa. The four main deities were considered the head of all subsequent gods. Each was thought to exist prior to the creation of humans and the earth. Their importance was immortalized in the Tiki statues that were principally constructed to honor and personify them.

Tikis are still used throughout the islands and are considered an invaluable source of inspiration. They are a fundamental part of Luaus, adorn restaurants and some other business entities and are bought by tourists who wish to take a piece of Hawaii with them. It is said that the statues have the power to bring about total well being, fertility, longevity and good fortune. The power of the Tiki is unsurprisingly connected to the deity depicted. It is unique to the Polynesian islands and have helped to maintain the characteristics of a culture defined by its profound connection to its vibrant past.

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