Tiki
= What is Tiki? =
Wikipedia defines Tiki as: “a large carved talisman of humanoid form, common to the Polynesian cultures of the Pacific Ocean. These talismans often serve to mark the boundaries of sacred sites.” This is a pretty basic definition of Tiki. However, if I was to define Tiki culture, it would be a little more detailed, and might read something like this:
A culture phenomenon that took place in the late 50’s and continued through to the early 70’s, drawing influences from the Polynesian culture. These influences included Tiki god art and carvings seen at sacred sites throughout Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand and Easter Island, island-influenced casual dress, fruity tropical cocktails, Polynesian-style dishes and music drawing from primitive sounds of precussion and song. This culture was no doubt a result of the end of WWII and the experiences soldiers took back with them during the Pacific theatre, as well the addition of Hawaii to the U.S.’s 49 states in 1959. Although there are accounts of a jungle or Tiki-themed interest developing in the late 20’s, nothing compared to this fad during the mid-twentieth century.
Tiki and Polynesian-themed bars, hotels and parks popped up all around the U.S. and parts of the world. Families decorated their backyards and patios with tiki torches and ponds. Tropical flowers were splashed on men’s shirts and women’s dresses. And everyone wanted to learn how to hula dance. Famous tiki bars and restaurants included Don the Beachcomber (the first Tiki bar, opened in 1933), Trader Vic’s, Trader Dick’s, Kahiki, Kon Tiki, the Tonga Room, Disneyland’s Enchanted Tiki Room, Tiki Bob’s, The Mainlander, Mai Kai, and on and on.
The tiki craze died out in the mid-seventies, but has been experiencing a resurgance over the past decade. This, of course, SHOULD NOT be confused with the Jimmy Buffet/Margaritaville fad that reared its ugly head in the eighties - that fad has more to do with bad music and watery magaritas.
= Why do I like Tiki? =
It’s kind of hard to really pin down why I love everything Tiki, but I think it has something to do with my visits to Adventureland at Disneyland when I was a kid. I loved the Enchanted Tiki Room and all of the knic-knacks and decor that surrounded it. Also, my family took me on a trip to San Diego when I was little, and we paid a visit to the Lion Country Safari, which boasted large tiki-like wood carvings. I guess I always found the whole Tiki thing sort of mysterious, magical and most of all, fun.
Nowadays, I still delight in all things Tiki, and have dedicated our bar room downstairs to Tiki. We have carved wooden tiki statues we place in our yard during the summer as well. And, every year, we host Tiki Fest - a giant extravaganza of exotica music, fruity drinks, and Polynesian fare. We even named our dog, Baxter, after tiki-exotica music composer Les Baxter. I guess I still love Tiki because it reminds me of exotic tropical places, but also takes me back to my childhood. It also reminds me of a period in American history where people were really into entertaining, and where mid-century modern decorating reigned supreme. Two things I really love.
= Our Tiki Bar =
This built-in wetbar was part of what really sold us on this house. It has a faux slate top and a super cheesy plastic red pin-tucked cover surrounding the bar. I’m still debating as to whether or not I want to put bamboo over the weird red material - it’s kind of cool to have a tiki bar that’s totally unique. On the other hand, could it be ANY more red??? Either way, we’re very proud of our little tiki bar area in the basement.
= Tiki Links =
Here’s some to get you started:
Konakai - super link collective to all things tiki
Critiki - world-wide guide to tiki bars, restaurants, and sites
Tiki News - informational tiki publication
Tiki Oasis - annual U.S. tiki celebration
Trader Vic’s - founder of Trader Vic’s tiki bars and the Mai Tai
Vegas Vic’s Tiki Lounge - online streaming broadcast
Humu Kon Tiki - tiki blog
Ooga Mooga - tiki mug collections
Tiki Bar TV - tiki bar podcast
Tiki Magazine - world-wide tiki publication
Tiki Central - forum for tiki lovers all over the world
Tiki Talk - another tiki blog
Arkiva Tropika - archival of Polynesian pop
Caliente Tropics - one of the last great tiki hotels
Bone Productions - tiki carvings by Crazy Al
Tiki Farm - tiki collectibles
Tiki Bosko - tiki objects by Bosko
Tropical Tikis - tiki imports
Tiki Master - more tiki imports
Aisle Tiki - tiki shopping
Bar Tiki - even more tiki shopping
Atomic Tiki - retro tiki shopping
Mythic Hawaii - history of Hawaii
American Heritage - article on American tiki culture
Mai Kai - tiki restaurant & lounge in Ft. Lauderdale
Martin Denny - godfather of Exotica
Les Baxter - second godfather of Exotica
Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge - tiki lounge in Alameda, CA
Waikiki Wally’s - tiki bar in NYC
Tiki-Ti - killer tiki bar in LA
Shag - retro pop artist
Ultra-Lounge - lounge music label
Yma Sumac - Exotica songstress
Trader Woody - all things tiki in Europe
= Video of Disneyland’s “Enchanted Tiki Room” =
