Tiki

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Tiki
Other names	Polynesian Pop
Decade of origin	1930s
Creator/s	Donn Beach, Victor Bergeron
Key motifs	Paradise, the jungle, island life
Key colours	Khaki, olive green, red, orange, aqua blue
Key values	Escapism, relaxation
Related aesthetics	Tropical Lounge Americana Vintage Vacation Dadcore Exotica

The Tiki aesthetic (not to be confused with Tropical) was created by Polynesian-themed bars and restaurants that opened in the 1930s. Tiki became popular after World War II, when America became fascinated with Polynesian and South Pacific culture. Dim lighting, rum cocktails, tiki decor, hibiscus flowers, and nautical objects (such as maps, fishing nets, and netted fishing floats) are all aspects that make up the Tiki aesthetic. The first major establishment to assume the Tiki aesthetic was a tiki bar called Don the Beachcomber, which Donn Beach opened in Hollywood in 1933. Many other establishments followed, some of the most famous including Trader Vic's, which Victor Bergeron opened in 1936 in Oakland, California, and Mai-Kai, which opened in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1956.

Examples

As mentioned above, the Tiki aesthetic is ever-present in tiki bars and other Polynesian-themed establishments. The Tiki aesthetic can also be seen in popular culture. A perfect example of this is the animated television show Spongebob Squarepants. The nautical-themed show is packed full of Tiki art, as seen in the backgrounds, title cards, and time cards of each episode.

Fashion

• Leis (flower necklaces)
• Brightly colored floral print dresses: often retro or pinup style, but can also include caftans
• Floral hairpieces with tropical flowers (hibiscus, orchids)
• Open toe pumps
• Hawaiian shirts with floral or batik print
• Panama hats or other natural fiber beach hats

Visual

• Dim lighting
• Bamboo and rattan furniture
• Palm trees or fronds
• Torches, fire
• Hibiscus flowers
• Orchids
• Volcanoes
• Carved Polynesian-style idols
• Ropes and rope nets
• Glass floats
• Tiki mugs
• Tropical storms -- monsoon rains, thunder, lightning

Activities

• Drinking elaborate rum cocktails, either at home or at tiki bars
• Collecting tiki mugs and other tiki memorabilia, such as vintage tiki bar menus
• Building home tiki bars
• Going to tiki conventions
• Hosting or attending luaus

Books

On general Tiki culture -- anything by Sven Kirsten:

• The Book of Tiki
• Tiki Modern
• Tiki Style
• Tiki Pop
• The Art of Tiki

Tiki culture with cocktail recipes:

• Smuggler's Cove by Martin Cate
• Sippin' Safari by Jeff 'Beachbum' Berry

Tiki cocktail recipes:

• Tiki: Modern Tropical Cocktails by Shannon Mustipher
• Easy Tiki by Chloe Freschette
• Minimalist Tiki by Matt Pietrak

Music

Spotify Playlists

• Trader Brandon's Field Guide to Tiki Music
• The Tiki Luau Lounge
• Dave's Blue Tiki Lounge
• *Tiki Lounge Chill-Out

Gallery

The False Idol tiki bar in San Diego, California. Note the bamboo ceiling, as well as the glass fishing floats hanging from it, and the wooden carved tikis.

The title card art from the Spongebob Squarepants episode "Squid's Day Off". Note the printed bamboo design as well as the stylized tropical plants.

Spongebob's living room. Note the netted ceiling, thatched bamboo walls, and nautical objects such as buoys, portholes, and fish hooks.

Tiki drinks in sculptural glassware garnished with tropical flowers

An old tiki restaurant with ropes, nets, glass floats, and rattan furniture.

The Tonga Room restaurant and tiki bar in San Francisco.

References

Tiki culture on Reddit