Historic Tiki Picture.

A Māori man retouches the painted tattoo on a carved wooden tiki at Whakarewarewa Model Village, New Zealand, 1905.

A Look at Tiki Culture, A historic Overview of Tiki.

Pic is the Raft of the Kon Tiki

A Look at Tiki Culture By Ryan Gilbert

Fans of Tiki Culture will be happy to know that it is alive and well and poised for a triumphant comeback in the United States. Fueled by the recent dismal economic developments and people looking for a bit of sunshine among the gloom, Tiki restaurants and lounges are beginning to pop up everywhere!

The Start of Tiki Culture

Most people who know a little about Tiki assume that it began with WWII soldiers who brought back souvenirs and stories from the South Pacific. However, Tiki predated the soldiers' return by more than a decade!

In 1934 Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt, a 27 year old entrepreneur, opened a bar in a former tailor's shop and named it Don the Beachcomber. He had always loved the culture and décor of the South Pacific and used souvenirs from his travels in his new business. Fishing nets, conch shells and starfish hung on the walls and parts of old wrecked boats lay scattered about artfully. He featured exotic rum drinks, mainly because rum was the cheapest liquor to be had. His motto was "If you can't get to paradise, I'll bring it to you!". The Tiki bar was a raging success and others began imitating Gantt's magic formula.

The Tiki Culture Grows!

Gantt's ideas became so popular that Tiki décor began to infiltrate homes, offices and restaurants. It became common to see at least one Polynesian-style restaurant in every large city with flaming torches outside the entrance and fearsome Tiki gods guarding the doors. Inside, the menu usually listed exotic Cantonese dishes that were served by a wait staff attired in sarongs, grass skirts or other island apparel. Small individual Tiki Huts were available for private parties.

Patios in the suburbs sported colorful lanterns at night and backyard grills were illuminated by Tiki torches. Nearly every household had at least a couple of coconut monkeys or Tiki god drink glasses. The Tiki Culture was well on its way!

The Resurgence of Tiki

Although many of the Tiki restaurants eventually closed their doors in the 80's and 90's and coconut monkeys were consigned to dusty attics, Tiki Culture has always had some diehard fans who refused to let go of the romanticized island cuisine, décor and beverages.

Although there aren't many Tiki restaurants and bars, Tiki has re-surfaced in fashion, furniture and parties. Rattan furniture is enjoying new popularity, exotic rum drinks have made a comeback and graceful island lines can be seen in home accessories and furniture. The colorful floral upholstery of the 60's is also more popular now, lending many homes and restaurants the warmth and romance of the South Pacific.

You can find quality Miami tiki huts and Miami tiki bars at these links.
Be sure to ask for a free estimate for your next tiki hut!

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