tiki tradition

The tiki tradition celebrates Polynesian culture through decorative art, music, dance, and imagery inspired by Pacific Islander aesthetics. It gained popularity in 20th-century America, especially during the mid-1900s, as a recreational and decorative movement that often exaggerated Polynesian motifs like carved wooden figures, tropical drinks, and themed parties. While it popularized a romanticized view of island life, it also raised concerns about cultural appropriation. Today, tiki remains a nostalgic or stylized expression of island-inspired entertainment and design, blending appreciation with historical sensitivity.