Tiki mania! The art of woodcarving has existed in Polynesia for centuries. As in other mythological religions, the ancient Polynesians believed that different elements were represented by different gods. These carvings, or tikis as we know them, resulted in thousands of different images.
When westerners arrived in Polynesia to spread their religious beliefs, and to put a halt to any pagan worship, many tikis were destroyed as well as lost to termites and the elements. Only a few originals remain today.
The surfing rage of the 1960's brought the tiki back into popularity with their images portrayed on surfboards, clothing and fashioned jewelry. Tiki bars sprung up from Miami's Don the Beachcomber to California and Waikiki.
Today, since retro is kewl again, our Kustom Kulture has brought tikis back to be lighthearted and fun like the 60's. But the truth is, they never really left Hawaii!
Dennis Mathewson, of Honolulu, is an avid tiki carver. When he's not airbrushing, pinstriping or writing articles for various publications, he's traveling and instructing at kustom painting workshops. Dennis' love for tikis is shown here and shared with you in his latest creation, the Tiki Master Freehand Airbrush Template Series from Artool®.
Tribal Tiki
This template is designed to use as a "connect-the-puzzle" full-standing tiki. It works well on a background of any color. Added tribal patterns can help to frame your tiki or add a background pattern. With some fire and burning eyes, you'll be ready for tribal counsel!
Item # FH TM1 |
|
|
Kona Tiki
In ancient Hawaiian times, tikis were the carvings made by selected Hawaiians in each village. Kona, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, has the most famous ones, and only a few still remain. On this Kona Tiki template, the largest tiki portrays the "Kona style." Using the tiki torch and adding some fire really sets the mood. The side patterns give you the ability to create tribal bands or backgrounds. Dark base colors can work very well with these tribal bands. "Hana Hou!"
Item # FH TM2 |
|
|
Tiki Trouble
Kawabunga Dude! Surf's up with Tiki Trouble. This vintage style 60's surf tiki gives room to decorate your surf buggy, or just give a style to other groovy graphics. Hele' on to Honolulu by adding tribal backgrounds with the edges, or sail off into the sunset with the canoe paddle, maile leaf pattern or tiki fire. The real trouble will be where to end the pattern!
Item # FH TM3 |
|
|
Tiki bar
The tiki bar is open, "suck 'em up!" Plenty of tikis can be gathered around using this linkable head and jaw tiki template. Mix and match the head and jaws to make one big ohana (family). Find the tiki that suits you and ghost him in the background using light amounts of color. Use some of the tiki bar patterns to fill graphics or stripes. Don't worry, they all start looking pretty good after a few "mai tais."
Item # FH TM4 |
|
|
Aloha Spirit
Hang loose with these Hawaiian elements of paradise. Fill backgrounds or graphics with Hawaiian images like pineapples, hula girls, honu (turtles), gecko lizards or ancient petroglyphs. And even men wear flowers in Hawaii! Use the floral pattern edges to make your design no ko oi (the best). Have fun building or filling in with these symbols of tiki craziness. Aloha oe!
Item # FH TM6 |
|
