Tiki of Hawaii

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From the Inside Flap -------------------- Americans sought tiki for comfort and amusement not too long agosmall reminders of the carefree life they found on their Hawaiian vacation, something to conjure up the memories of sunshine and mai tais. Sold in souvenir shops throughout Hawaii as shrunken, watered-down deities tiki were, to some people, symbolic of the islands. Most are quaint relics now. But for Polynesians, tiki represent an ancient religion, a capricious one in which deities and nature ware with each other and with man, and a time when commoners and alii alike would tremble with fear at their whims. Tiki of Hawaii: A History of Gods and Dreams reveals the real tiki. A few are benign, while others are terrifying sculptures twelve feet high, carved with exquisite care. You will learn how ancient Hawaiian civilization ordered itself known as kapu, along with a rigid caste system, earthquakes, volcanoes and intrigue. And you will meet powerful Queen Kaahumanu, ahead of her time and weary of male domination, who risked their wrath by toppling the tiki. You will also meet larger-than-life peopleKing Kamehameha, Captain Cook, Jack London, Trader Vic, Don the Beachcomber, Martin Denny, Don Ho, and Elvis Presley. And above all, the tiki to their present status today wher Hawaiian traditions more alive and vibrant than ever have restored temple sites s ovisitors to the islands can enjoy the real thing and come away richer in spirit. With stunning photographs and illustrations, Sophia V. Schweitzer reveals a rich, colorful, and entertaining picture of tikithe kind of history which, for visitor and kamaaina alike, will leave indelible memories and provide an understanding of Hawaii's culture far deeper than anything bought in a souvenir shop. Read more ( javascript:void(0) )