When we asked Gemini AI to help us if we had indeed seen Tikis, and more about them, this is what we read: A Tiki is a human-like figure that’s an important part of Polynesian culture and history. Here’s a simple explanation:
Origins: Tikis represent gods, ancestors, or important figures. They were often worshipped and believed to have power.
Appearance: They usually have a human form, but can be stylized in different ways depending on the island and time period. Some common features include:
* Large head
* Strong features like eyes and mouth
* Sometimes have arms or legs, sometimes not
* Can be simple or highly decorated
Materials:
* Traditionally, tikis were carved from wood or stone.
* Some were made from bone or other natural materials.
* Modern tikis can be made from a wider range of materials, including resin or metal.
Purpose:
* In the past, tikis were used in religious ceremonies and to mark important places.
* Today, they are also used as decoration and to celebrate Polynesian culture.
So, to answer your specific questions:
* Are all tikis stone? No, they can be made from various materials, including wood, bone, and even modern materials like resin.
* Made of “natural materials”? Traditionally, yes. But modern tikis might use other materials. The tiki you saw in Nuku Hiva is a great example of how these figures can vary in size and style. It’s awesome you got to see it in person!
