What is a Tiki Mask?

Tiki masks represent spiritual deities that were called upon by island natives to ward off evil spirits from their dwelling places.

During the Tiki bar boom from the 1950s to the 1970s, Tiki masks were displayed at bar entrances to welcome guests.

Tiki masks are hand carved from wood and finished with oil or wax to give them an excellent sheen. Each Tiki mask is unique. They can be used in your Tiki lounge at home to impart a mysterious and exotic ambiance. Tiki masks can also be displayed outdoors -- by your entrance to greet your guests or on a patio as a conversation piece.

The spirit of Hawaiian Tikis

Tikis are specially known for their fearsome demeanors -- wide open mouths and incensed countenances -- presumably to frighten away evil spirits. Each Hawaiian god assumed many various roles and were each assigned a name associated with their role. For instance, the god "Ku" was named Kukailimoku as a god of war, and Kuulakai as the god of fishing. The Tiki's headdresses are unique and each shape carries a different meaning.

Tiki masks were valuable décor during the heyday of Tiki bars in the 1950s and 1960s, when the Americans' idea of the good lifestyle was the laid-back and carefree ways of Pacific islanders. Exotica lived on via the souvenirs gathered from the Tiki bars of years past -- from the matchbooks, mugs and menus to the Tiki masks that are now highly prized collectibles.

The rebirth of Tiki bars

Tiki bars may have died in the 1970s, but their spirit lives on. The popularity of Tiki bars is on the rise once again, this time as the preferred theme for house parties. Because of the wide selection of Tiki bar set-ups and accessories in online stores, people who wish to have Tiki bars or lounges in their homes can now order everything online and have the items shipped to their doors in no time.

Tiki huts are constructed in such a way that they could withstand heavy rains and wind. They are also ideal for tropical climes, as the thatch is a natural insulator and a roof made of this material provides a cooler shade than one made of canvas. Patios, decks and pool areas are ideal places for Tiki huts. Tiki systems even come with electrical outlets to accommodate small appliances such as lights, refrigerators, blenders and ceiling fans.

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