Smiling tiki Pin

smiling tiki in orange. The Tiki has had a greater influence on the modern art world than many realize. The 20th century saw a rise in American’s fascination with the Pacific Islands and their native culture. Images of the traditional life of native islanders captivated the residents of the Continental U.S. and brought about a desire to fill their mundane environment with some of the iconography of the islands. Post World War II returning GI’s brought back images of the Pacific Islands and the fascination with Tiki emerged. By the 1960s Tiki could be seen everywhere. It adorned buildings, restaurants, motels and all manner of advertising. Exports of authentic Tiki could not keep up with the demand.