Tiki carvings allow the carver to be creative while keeping the mythology alive.
Tiki statues often represent Polynesian gods or figures of mythology from that region of the Pacific. These statues are popular for island-themed decorations and festive summer parties. Tiki bars often feature many tiki figures. Hand-carved tiki statues can add to your own tiki-themed display for summer barbecues and backyard parties.Carve your tiki statue out of a section of cedar log, using traditional carving tools for the details. For your first tiki carving, carve the god Ku, one of four great gods in Polynesian mythology. Ku is the ancient god of war and has powerful features.
Instructions
1. Square off the ends of the 36-inch long cedar log with a chain saw. Cut straight through each end.
2. Draw the basic facial features and other details of the carving on one side of the log, with a pencil. For Ku, the ancient Polynesian God of war, you will need to create a powerful figure. The stance of Ku is powerful. His feet are set firmly apart and hands are often depicted set at his hips, with powerful arms bent. Ku should have a large headdress that extends down to at least shoulder length. Draw large facial features including an open, slightly frowning, mouth. Give him large, intimidating eyes and a distinctive nose. The overall outline should be majestic and somewhat intimidating.
3. Use a mallet to tap a large chisel, to clear out larger portions of the carving. Shape the overall silhouette of the body. Rough out the arms and legs. Leave a base at the bottom so that Ku stands firmly in place. Cut away the portions in between the legs and create the overall shape.Take off small strips of wood each time, rather than one large strip. Gradually define the rough shape of the carving with the larger chisels.
4. Refine the carving with a medium-sized chisel.Take off small slivers. Define the recesses of the eyes, as well as the basic shapes of the nose and mouth. Cut away the head-dress and slowly develop its shape. Step back from the carving to see how the details appear at a distance. Make cuts deeper if they are not visible from several feet away.
5. Complete the carving by adding the finest details with small chisels, which will define the eyes, nose and mouth. Cut lines and other details in the head-dress, arms and legs. Define the hands. Keep removing thin slivers until you are satisfied with the carving as a whole.
6. Sand the carving with fine grit sandpaper. Be sure to sand in the same direction as the grain.
7. Apply a clear finish to the carving using a poly brush. Allow the finish to dry before handling.
Tags: carving with, arms legs, facial features, nose mouth, other details