Tiki Mask 30cm in wood. Maori decoration Tahiti Polynesia.

The True Story of the Tikis

Tikis are wooden or stone statues, which are emblematic of Polynesian culture. According to legend, tikis were originally human beings, who were turned to stone by the gods, to punish them for their disrespectful behavior towards nature.

One day, a young man named Tiki decided to defy the gods, carving a statue in his image, from a tree trunk. He worked for long hours, until the statue was perfect. When he was done, he prayed to the gods to bring it to life, so that it could help him protect nature and live in harmony with it.

The gods, touched by Tiki's sincerity and determination, decided to accept his request. They brought the statue to life, which became the first tiki. Tiki and his statue became inseparable, and they traveled the world together, teaching people respect for nature and the importance of living in harmony with it.

Since then, tikis have become symbols of protection and good luck, which are used in traditional Polynesian ceremonies and rites. They are said to have the power to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck and prosperity to those who possess them.

This legend reminds us of the importance of respecting nature and living in harmony with it, as well as the power of ancestral symbols and traditions, which can help us connect with the history and culture of our ancestors.